Lester “Ko” Lee Latreille

Lester (Ko) Lee Latreille, age 47, of Grand Rapids, MI, sadly left us on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 unexpectedly due to medical issues. He was born to James Townsend and Marjorie Smith on November 6, 1976.

He will be deeply missed by his mother, Marjorie Smith; sisters, Sicora Eckert, Natasha Smith, and Raelyn (Logan) Priest;  partner, William Caldwell; son, Christian;  long-time best friend, Luke Wimby; fur baby, Selene; extended family and many close friends.

Ko was an honorable Air Force veteran who specialized in dentistry with a side interest in sales. If you knew him, you knew unconditional and nonjudgmental love. Ko had a heart of gold and would go far out of his way to help anyone in need. One of his friends mentioned "he was so much to me on my worst days." That's Ko. He loved fiercely and with all he had. He loved his family very deeply, along with friends that had become his family. Gifted in understanding and connecting with others, many who have met him for the first time say it was as if they'd known him all their life. Easily the life of the party, his sense of humor and charismatic ways are unforgettable. He was very artistic, had a way with words and a deep connection to music. His energy was largely infectious and his hugs were even bigger. We could never sum up all he was in text, but if you knew Ko, you know how big his presence was. His fun, loving spirit, unique facial expressions, inside jokes, beaming smile, and boisterous laughter are sure to replay as we ramble through memories. Surely, we will all come together to love and celebrate everything that made up our Ko.

Celebration of life to be held at a later date.

I'm Free

Please do not grieve for me, for now I'm free. I'm following the path God laid out for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day to laugh, to love, to work and play, task left undone must stay that way. I've found my peace at the close of the day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joys; a friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, oh yes, these things I too will miss. Be burdened not with time of sorrow, I wish you sunshine for each tomorrow. My life's been full, I savored much; good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and peace to thee, God wanted me now, He set me free!

Broken Chain

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us wonderful memories, your love is still our guide; & though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

Your wings were ready, but our hearts were not. We love you big brother, forever and always!

With so much love, 

Mom, Cora, Tasha, Rae