Les ("Sonny") Samelson, 75, of Eagle, Colo., passed away peacefully on July 29, 2024, in Littleton, Colo., from complications of frontotemporal dementia.
Lester Elias Jr. bounced into this world on Nov. 17, 1948, the only child of Lester Elias Sr. and Jennie Cohn Samelson (Magdovitz) of Memphis, Tenn. Nicknamed "Sonny" by his mother, the bright, energetic boy spent much of his youth taking road trips with his parents, romping with his dogs, playing with neighborhood friends, and swimming, a sport for which he won many ribbons. He completed confirmation at Memphis' Temple Israel in 1964.
His teen years found him dove hunting, drag racing, cleaning pools, and working at a men's clothing store, where he earned $5,000 to buy his prized first car: a '67 blue Corvette convertible. He obtained his Realtor license at 18 and worked for his parents' real estate office; he became the firm's principal in 1976.
After Les graduated in 1967 from White Station High School, he studied Real Estate/Construction and Finance at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and University of Memphis. In 1968, he met his beautiful future wife, Carolyn Hyatt (Samelson), at a University of Tennessee dance. The couple married in 1972 and had two children, Jenna (Browning) and Lee. Les sold his interest in the Memphis real-estate office and the family relocated to the Vail Valley in 1991.
Les started in construction and development in 1972. He built or remodeled about 80 houses in Memphis and the Vail Valley, plus townhouses and a commercial building in downtown Eagle. He loved the jobsite camaraderie and on powder days he gave his crew time off to ski, one of his longtime passions. As a mentor, he freely shared his knowledge of all facets of construction. Outstanding ethics, quality workmanship, business acumen, determination, a nose for opportunity, willingness to take a risk, and keen managerial, financial, and interpersonal skills defined his career as a Realtor, general contractor, and developer. He most appreciated the long-lasting effects of his work, seen in clients' enjoyment of their homes. Les retired in 2020 to spend time relaxing, walking, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, gardening, reading about Western history, watching Westerns and sports, and traveling with family.
Les was predeceased by his beloved parents, stepfather Joe Magdovitz, and aunt Louise Cohn. He is survived by his wife and children; brother-in-law, Wayne P. Hyatt Jr. and wife Fran; son-in-law, Dave Browning; and twin grandsons, Bryson and Xander Browning.
A memorial service and reception will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia St., Denver, 80220. For full obituary and memorial details, please visit monarchsociety.com. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Habitat for Humanity, the Alzheimer's Association of Colorado, or The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.