Leslie “Les” Harrison of Kenosha went to be with the Lord peacefully in mid-afternoon on July 24th, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Les was 88 years old. He was born on March 31, 1933, in Sunderland, England, the oldest son of Leslie and May Harrison (nee Pallas).
Les spent his childhood growing up during the war years of 1939-1945. Because he lived in the ship-building city of Sunderland, he was evacuated for three years and sent to live with a family he did not know in a safer part of the country. Once his evacuation ended and he returned home, within a short time his house was bombed. His father also died of injuries sustained at Dunkirk. His mother then decided to send her boys to a boarding school (Bisley), where Les and two of his brothers remained until graduating from what would be the equivalent of high school in the United States.
Upon leaving Bisley, Les was recruited as a cornet player for the British Army Band. However, after four months he was discharged for poor eyesight.
On a recommendation from his brother, Rolf, Les eventually tried out as a low bass for the BBC Choral Group. He was accepted and enjoyed several years singing under the direction of Sir Colin Davis. During this time, he had the opportunity to sing at such venues as Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral. He also was privileged to sing for Queen Elizabeth, the queen mother.
In 1972, Les came to the United States and married a Wisconsin girl he had met in London. They had three children, Anne Elizabeth, Mark Jerome, and Matthew David. They divorced in 1990.
On October 16th, 1993, Les married Annette Marie Wank (nee Voll) at Ridgewood Baptist Church in Brookfield WI, an organist he had hired. They shared more than 27 inseparable and wonderful years together.
Les loved being a musician – as a cornet player, a low base chorister, and church music director. He was a music purist, always striving for perfection in any musical endeavors he pursued. He was honored to be a member of The Master Singers of Milwaukee, and enjoyed being a part of The Grandsons of The Pioneers.
Les is survived by his wife Annette Harrison; five children: Anne (Scott) Eppler, Mark (Erin) Harrison, Matthew (Michelle) Harrison, Andrew Harrison of England, and Stephen Harrison of England; and by three stepchildren: Laura (John) Stumbo, Thomas (Elizabeth) Wank, and Timothy (Emily) Wank. Les is further survived by 22 grandchildren, 2 future great grandchildren, and a brother, Keith (Jeannette) Harrison of New Zealand. He is preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers – Ian Harrison and Rolf Harrison.
The family would like to extend an invitation for all to attend a memorial service honoring Les’ life. This will be held on August 7th, 2021, at CrossWay Community Church, 13905 75th Street, Bristol WI, where Les was a member. Visitation will begin at 3 P.M., with the service at 4 P.M. A dinner will follow at 5 P.M. A burial service for the family was held privately.
