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FAMILY PLACED OBITUARY

Leslie Eugene Wilbur
Leslie Eugene Wilbur, born January 11, 1924, professor emeritus of higher education at the University of Southern California and long-time resident of The Arcadia, died in Honolulu on February 9 at the age of 97. "Les," as he was known to friends, was a force of living kindness who enjoyed a beautiful, impactful life and who was admired by many. He had an impeccable work ethic, a wonderful curiosity and a grand sense of humor. Long after his retirement, former students, colleagues and friends sought his advice, which was always simple, practical and wise.

Born in Modesto, California, Wilbur grew up during the Depression in a working-class family. He graduated from Modesto High School in 1942 and served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army (1943-46). In 1965 he joined the USC faculty and served as a professor of higher and post- secondary education (1965-1989). His teaching focused on community college leadership and governance. Over the course of his USC career, he regularly taught graduate-level education courses for USC at Hickam Air Force Base.

Dr. Wilbur was a firm believer in the transformative power of higher education and served as the founder of the Annual Honolulu American Civil Liberties Union Award for a Student Defender of Civil Liberties.

He is predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Norma Wilbur, and his dear friend and travel partner, Violet Sato, and is survived by his son and daughter and two grand- children. Services were private.

Arrangements Provided By:
Hosoi Garden Mortuary

Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased

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