Birth date: Nov 29, 1946 Death date: Jul 6, 2022
Leicester “Les” Ralph Longden, age 75, passed away in Muskegon, MI on Wednesday, July 6, 2022. He was born on November 29, 1946, to his parents William and Eva (Rosser) Longden in Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada. On June 15, 1968, h Read Obituary
Just learned of Les' death. I have very fond memories of times shared at Trinity United Methodist in Lansing. Les baptizing Mike and then officiating at our wedding. I also remember visiting both Les & Linda after they first moved to Iowa. Even though we didn't stay in touch your were always thought of. Linda - I am so sorry for your loss and sending prayers for comfort to you and your whole family - Mike & Denise DeVoll (Potterville)
Les left quite the impression with in my time of attending UDTS. He challenged me to think outside of the box and encouraged me to stay true to who I am. He will be deeply missed.
I was sad to learn of the death of Les. When I became pastor of First Church in Lansing, Les and I connected as colleagues - meeting for lunch about once a month for lunch. Trinity and First were in close proximity - which is what initially connected us. Les and I had a common family heritage that was rooted in the Salvation Army and both of us loved the brass band tradition that became a way of sharing recordings and memories. That common thread of music became the entry into much deeper conversation about faith, tradition, calling, ministry, history as well as the future of the United Methodist Church. Conversations were spirited, reflective and prophetic - always with care, respect and honor in our commonalities and disagreements. I remember clearly our conversations around the discernment of moving from the pastorate to the classroom. Les has influenced many people in his various roles in ministry and I appreciate the memories of friendship during an important developmental time for each of us. His family - whom he adored - will be in my prayers.
Rev. Dr. Robert Hundley
A wonderful pastor, teacher, leader and a true gentleman. Praise God for his life of service in Christ's church. Walter Fenton
I had fun memories of runs together, card games and many laughs when I visited Lisa and her family. He always had a big smile.
Les and I once disagreed about whether to participate in a particular initiative seeking reform of the United Methodist Church. I called him. We talked. I said to him: “you are too irenic a person to be mixed up with this venture.”
Sometime later Les decided to put distance between himself and that initiative. We ran into one another a year or so later. We revisited that earlier conversation. I remember, Les smiled sadly and said: “In the end, I decided that I was too irenic a person to be involved with that venture.”
He was a person of great integrity and a fine interpreter of the Wesleyan theological tradition. May Les Longden Rest In Peace and Rise in Glory!
Les was a gem. He embodied the Wesleyan spirit of reform and renewal that is the heart of AFTE. No small part of that spirit was his charitable and gracious way of being in the world. He welcomed me generously at my first Christmas Conference at Shakertown. Methodism was blessed by his ministry.
I was the Lansing District Superintendent who was responsible, along with Bishop Judith Craig, for negotiating Les's transfer to the Michigan Area. Although we had some theological differences, I always respected Les and valued his opinions. We were able to have good conversations together. I introduced him to Lansing:Trinity UMC. It was a challenging and difficult appointment, but he served that church with love, with skill, and with integrity. My love and prayers reach out to Linda and the family. Les was a good man. He fought the good fight; he finished the race; he kept the faith.
Rev. Dr. A. Edward Perkins
