Leslie "Les" Malcolm Southern journeyed into the spiritual world on April 1, 2017. He was born on February 27, 1961, to parents Leon and Roseline Southern of Pueblo, Colorado. He was the second child born to his mother of five siblings. At age one, he and his older sister lived in the same foster home for six years. In 1968, he moved to Denver and spent the following six years in another foster home with his younger sister. It was during this time he was hit in the eye by a BB gun twice within months and lost his vision in that eye. He never complained and never used his lack of vision as a handicap just accepted his challenge. In 1975, child custody was awarded to his eldest sister where he spent the next four years as a Denver East High Angel. In 1979, he went to the Job Corp to learn the skills of Painting and Craftsman of repairs. He never married, had offers of courtship, but truly enjoyed solitude most of his life. Those who knew Les know he loved the outdoors and marveled at the Creator's gift of nature, giving him a sanctuary everywhere to pray, to stay strong in his faith. He was a serious Christian, baptized at Saint Joseph Catholic Parish, attended Cathedral in Denver. He practiced humanitarian behaviors by helping others, accepting little in return. Though he owned little, he gave his support, energy, humor or labor to help others. His presence was felt with a soft spoken confidence, fixing things around the home, making things work. When he spoke, people listened because he was so quiet, but his comical outlook, hilarious antics and musing viewpoints were a vein of the family and surely with friends. While employed at the Nautilus Consulate, he took pride in his landscapes, humbled and thankful he was able to participate in the beauty of the landscape. During his fifty-six seasons, he enjoyed working with plants in summer and snow in winter. He loved Colorado mountains, rivers and parks, and had a strong affection of trees. Many people do not know his background, but it enriches our lives knowing "whence he came" and how strong he was, given his conditions. In his young childhood years, he was abused, placed in isolation and often outside alone. Years of counseling showed he remembered very little abuse, however, he acquired the love of being outdoors. The majority of his life, he preferred to be homeless and showed true intelligence of being "street smart." He wanted to be in the elements and validated the convoluted lives we live: he had a radio but would sit in silence, he had a phone but preferred to walk, he had lamps but would sit in darkness for hours as his "eyes were watching God" in the stars. He only ate when he was hungry. He loved good coffee. Weather rarely impacted him, walking nearly everywhere he went making distance time. Les will truly be missed by his family and friends. We pray for his spiritual journey to the four corners of mother Earth, to meet all his ancestors, to return to the universal power to be forever in God's peace. He is survived by all his siblings: RoSean Kent, Maxine Southern, Laura Jean Bennett and Joseph Aiken; in-laws Van Howard, Josh Feagin, J. Albert and Margie Howard; Neices: Aspen Howard, Aisalene Southern, Nephews: Fransisco Lerma, Charlie Howard; Aunt Cora Cardinas, Uncle John Varga; cousins, Johnny and Dale Varga; foster siblings: Wyn and Thomas Lawrence. He was great-uncle to Nequoya, Cheyenne, Axel, Joshua, Ethan and Christopher. He had countless friends and acquaintances. We will carry his memory in our hearts and in keeping alive the benevolent life he shared. His death is tragic and shocking but would only wish goodwill and happiness to all who knew him. Please do not send flowers: If you wish to make a donation, make contact with The Park People at: The Park People, 1510 South Grant, Denver, CO 80210, 303-722-6262. www.TheParkPeople.org Previous Events Visitation APR 14. 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM (MT) Romero Family Funeral Home & Ft. Logan Mortuary - Denver 4750 Tejon St Denver, CO 80211 [email protected] Loading map Funeral Service APR 15. 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (MT) Romero Family Funeral Home & Ft. Logan Mortuary - Denver 4750 Tejon St Denver, CO 80211 [email protected] Loading map