On August 16, 2025, Leslie Pua Charles aka “Dad”, “Papa” and "Uncle Les” took his final “Breathe of Aloha.”  After his he served in the army in the 1960’s, he brought his family to Salinas, CA in 1972 from Kaneohe, Hawaii. As a carpenter he worked for Foster Freezer Construction for many years then moved to Tombleson Construction.  Leslie finally retired in 2005, but he never stopped working. He always had a project to work on or a side job for those who needed his help. He also gave back to the community and volunteered to help with Tatum’s Garden. “Uncle Les” is one of the last active founders of Ke Kai O’Uhane Outrigger Canoe Club of Monterey County founded in 1984 which he retired in 2022.  He shared the Hawaiian Culture with all those he met. He coached so many thru the years, many became family and life long friends. Leslie was an Extraordinary man. A PILLAR of STRENGTH for us all. He loved to share his words of WISDOM. He continues to share the ALOHA with his community and those he met along the way.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judy, his sisters Glennell & Mapuana (Joe), Beverly and Judy, their 6 children Sonny, Pamela, Pheodora (Ian), Jaime, Pua (Jarrett), Jaydee (Edward), 20 grandchildren (5 grandchildren-in-law), 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  He will forever be in our hearts. A private Celebration of Life will be announced by the family at a later time.