August 13, 2013 – The CBWC is saddened to learn of the passing of Rev. Les Funk, who went to his home in glory on August 7, 2013 in Victoria. Les served as pastor of many CBWC churches in Alberta and BC during a long career between 1961 and 1996. He was 82.
Les was born in 1930 and received his BA from Bethel College in St. Paul Minnesota in 1958. He graduated with a Diploma in Theology from McMaster University in Hamilton Ontario in 1961. He was first called to the pastorate by First Baptist Church in Pincher Creek, AB, where he served as solo pastor from 1961 to 1965. He served at Delwood Road Baptist in Edmonton, AB from 1965 to 1977 and then at First Baptist, Nelson BC from 1977 to 1982. He served at Elk Lake Baptist in Victoria from 1982 to 1994. After retirement, he took on the role of interim pastor at Comox Community Baptist in Comox, BC from 1994-95 and served as interim pastor at First Baptist Church in Chilliwack, BC from 1995-96.
Les was known for his ability to relate well to all people and for his love of worship. He had a strong interest in arts and drama and often sought to incorporate this creativity into worship services. Les cared deeply for people and especially valued meeting with congregation members and people in the community on a one-to-one basis. He was known as a very good preacher and teacher who explained his ideas clearly and with the needs of his listeners in mind. Throughout his career he was actively involved in camping ministries and was much in demand as a speaker, camp board member, drama teacher and chalk artist.
Please remember in prayer Les’ family and friends. He is survived by his wife Lucille and children Maureen and Steven.
A memorial service is planned for Saturday, August 24th at Elk Lake Baptist Church in Victoria at 1:30pm.