Born: November 13, 1951 – Roseburg, Oregon
Died: April 23, 2012 – Denton, Texas
Life Reflections
Past District Governor Les Guse, DTM lost his courageous battle with esophageal cancer on April 23, 2012 at the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Denton. He was 61 years old. Les was a charter member of Exceed Toastmasters, and Let's Talk Toastmasters. He was also a member of Roving 49ers Toastmasters. He held many officer positions in all three clubs.
October 4, 1981 was a big day in his life. That's the day Les married Frances Ann Chittum – his beloved Fran. Prattsville, Arkansas was the starting point for a wonderful life together. Les and Fran raced stock cars together, drove an 18-wheeler together, and loved each other for more than 30 years together.
Les was a Senior Analyst and Programmer for Infor Technologies. He had problem-solving skills that made him a valuable member of many project teams. Kmart, Ford, General Motors, CVS, Big Lots, Safeway, and many other clients were the beneficiaries of his expertise. He had the rare ability to explain complex data in simple terms. Les was the “answer man” for problems with a client company's software.
NASCAR, hunting, and fishing were three passions for Les. An even bigger passion was Toastmasters International. Les joined the Exceed Toastmasters Club in 2001. Exceed was the starting point for a distinguished “career” with District 50 Toastmasters. Les served the district as Area 35 Governor, Metro Division Governor, District Lieutenant Governor-Marketing, District Lieutenant Governor-Education and Training, and ultimately as District 50 Governor. He was a mentor and inspiration for many aspiring Toastmasters. Les proudly wore the emblems of DTM – Distinguished Toastmaster, and PDG – Past District Governor. Frances was awarded her DTM during his term as District Governor.
Les lost his courageous battle against cancer after 18 months of fighting the good fight. He is survived by his wife Frances, his mother Leona Guse, his brother Robert Guse, 4 children, 14 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Dale Guse, his brother Clifford Guse, and his step-daughter Mavis Chittum. His ashes will be scattered in Oregon to be near his father and brother.