Leslie VanCleve Obituary

With family by her side, Leslie Van Cleve of Durango, peacefully passed away Nov. 5, 2023. She was 88. Leslie was born in Worcester, MA, Sept. 13, 1935, the daughter of Elizabeth Proctor Morrison and Donald Gordon Morrison. She spent early childhood in Massachusetts before moving to Miami, FL, graduating with honors from Coral Gables High School in 1953.

Shortly after, Leslie traveled to California where she met and married the love of her life, Richard L. "Dick" Van Cleve. Les and Dick spent their life together in Southern California raising children Elizabeth and Gordy, supporting the University of Southern California, and playing golf. Leslie was a Scout leader, a football mom, and a great golfer, captaining a lady's team for many years. Les and Dick were fortunate to be able to travel to many beautiful places all over the world. One adventure took them to Great Bear Lake in the Arctic Circle where Leslie proudly caught an 18" Arctic Grayling. Another, to Scotland where Leslie had the thrill of lifetime getting to play the links of The Old Course at St. Andrews, known as the "home of golf." Other adventures included Spain, Peru, Hong Kong, Japan, and a favorite, Hawaii.

Later, Les and Dick retired to the Santa Ynez Valley on the Central Coast of California. Leslie enjoyed friends, volunteering as a museum docent, and tending her beautiful roses. In 2006, Leslie moved to Durango to be closer to family. She spent 17 happy years with her daughter and son-in-law Elizabeth & Jimmy McClung; granddaughter and husband, Shannon & Ethan Hinkley; grandson and wife, Matthew & Amber McClung, now of Phoenix, AZ; and her adored five great-grandchildren Samuel, Benjamin, James, Ryder and Mira.

Leslie was preceded in death by her husband, and her son, Gordon Van Cleve.

Leslie's family will celebrate her life in Solvang, CA, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband.