Staff Blogger: Mallory Glenn, Advancement and Communications Intern
Whether they knew him as the Mayor of Lakeside, the happy man on the three-wheeled bike or the man with the clipboard; the patriotic dock singer, the leader of God Squad’s children’s procession, or the doorman at the Kite Shop, everyone knew Les Cunningham.
Les was a joyful, bossy, faithful Lakesider for three decades before he passed on Dec. 17, 2017. Living to the age of 57, Les far exceeded the expected lifespan for a person with Down syndrome. Pat Castanaras, Les’ older sister, largely credits his longevity to the benefits of Lakeside.
“Les would never have been the person he was if it hadn’t been for Lakeside,” said Castanaras. “The level of freedom he had here was instrumental in allowing him to reach his full potential. And along with that, Les taught people not to be afraid of those with disabilities. He inspired people to be kind and to express themselves.”
Les first came to Lakeside in 1987 with his parents, Leslee and Pearle Cunningham. Leslee had accepted the position as Lakeside’s Officer of Development, the position now referred to as the Vice President of Advancement & Communication. Lakeside’s safe, familial nature allowed Les to blossom and express himself.