Leslie Harland Shea, born September 11, 1927 in Minot, North Dakota to Harland L. and Neva E. Shea, passed away June 7, 2009 in Kennewick, Washington. Leslie was five years old when his parents moved from Roseglen, North Dakota to Missoula, Montana in 1933. As a youngster and youth, Leslie thrived on hiking, camping, swimming, ice skating, hunting and school activities in and around Missoula. In June 1943 the Shea family settled in Hanford, Washington, a community for construction personnel for the Manhattan Project. Leslie loved his country and served well in the U.S. Navy during the last part of WWII, and later when recalled to active duty during the Korean War. Prior to joining the Navy, Les attended Columbia High School in Richland and played football for the Beavers. Les graduated from Pasco High School. In the spring of 1953, Leslie began a 34 ½ year career as a pilot for United Airlines. He piloted power-driven aircraft more than 22, 000 hours while domiciled in Chicago, Denver, San Francisco and Seattle. His love for aircraft included flying glider aircraft in many locations throughout the world. God's wonderful creation was greatly enjoyed by Les as he hiked, biked, canoed, hunted and photographed throughout the United States and many foreign countries. He was very active in Boy Scouts as a youth and later as an adult leader. Perhaps his greatest thrill and challenge was sailing his Thunderbird Class sailboat in races on Puget Sound and through the Inland Passage to Alaska. Since retiring from United Airlines in 1987, Les and Doris have lived in the Tri-Cities, Sun City, Arizona and temporarily wherever their travel trailer, tent, sailboat, cruise ship or other accommodations were available. Leslie was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints. Survivors include his wife of nearly 60 years, Doris Shea of Kennewick; two daughters, Judy long of Statham, Georgia and Diana Shea of Toccoa, Georgia; two sons, Stephen and wife Cathe of Paso Robles, California and Jimmy of Shelton, Washington; brother Bob and wife Alice of Kennewick. Leslie is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Cheryl, who died in December 1950 and one great-great-grandchild. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, June 11, 2009, 3:00pm, at the LDS Park Ward located at 724 Pittsburgh Ave in Kennewick. Leslie H. Shea ~ the Loyal and Faithful ~ will be missed.