OMG I just sat in my car yesterday and I just felt tired. I was going to the studio to shoot stuff and My eyes were heavy and I just felt cold and when I crawled into the drivers seat the hot sun was pouring in and warming my cold bones and skin shooting vitamin D through my pours through the windshield and I just sat there not moving.
I just wanted to feel it. I shut my eyes and the chickens were happy clucking in the run in next to my car and the horses were breathing deeply in the distance and these sounds rocked me to a sleep that was was shallow but I came to a rocky cliff. I thought I should meditate and just regroup I thought. I closed my eyes and flashes of things and pictures were racing across my eye lids. I saw my Dad barefoot walk towards me and he looks like him but young and sweet and kind and he said, YOU KNOW ERIN, YOU CAN FLY as I gazed out into the abyss--looking toward what might have been the ocean. And I just cried and I missed him and he said sorry, this may be too early for you to see me and I fell apart and cried and the hot warm tears streamed out of my soul, out of my eyes and the hot wet tears welled up and fall out of my eyes, wet my face and I just could’t breathe anymore. All of it too much and I just fell a part.
I just sat for a while and I took a picture of my eyes because I wanted to see if anything was different inside my soul. A strange thought but that is what I did. I took a picture and stared at it and I searched for the one I shot of when I lost grandma. I wanted to see if my eyes were different from one giant loss to another. Searching for an ansnwer? How am I or who am I with out these two souls that literally I felt kept me together in my inner inner place that I can’t even really know what they gave me. I just always felt like everything was ok or I was ok or I was safe or just I was not alone.
Dear Dad,
You were always teaching me even when I didn't always agree. A father is someone that guides you and you did. You taught me the most important element in this life and that is to listen to my intuition...my guides, my spirit. Even thought what we called it was different it is the same. My heart loved you deeply and I felt the richness of your soul always..even in all the days I was confused by you and your words...somehow I was able to navigate through that knowing you might just not be in your true state of mind in the end and that was ok. You fought for it...you struggled and you waited...when you should have gone. You didn't want to leave us. The last day I held your hand I knew. And I was so happy you let me hold it Dad. I wanted to feel you and your hands and I wanted to desperately tell you how much I so loved you. I knew you were sad and I know it was uncomfortable for you to feel such grief while you were still here. I knew that. Your body was giving up and your heart was not...your soul did not want to leave.
But now you are here with me always as you know. My guardian angel here and I feel you all the time and my thoughts are with you always and I appreciate your guidance even now today and everyday you are not here...in the flesh. But I so love that you are here in the most beautiful light Dad. I do need you here and ask you are here always guiding me today and always and forever.
xo erin
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Today we lay my daddy to rest.
He was and will always be the light that guides us in the dark.
For those who can’t be here:
Eulogy for Michael Lynn Lesh
Good afternoon, everyone.
We are gathered here today to remember and celebrate the life of Michael Lynn Lesh—a beloved husband, father, brother, son, and friend. Though our hearts are heavy with loss, today is also a day to honor his remarkable journey, the legacy he leaves behind, and the love he shared with all of us.
Michael was born on November 9, 1947, in Fort Collins, Colorado, and spent his early years in Eaton, Colorado, where he was a free-spirited and social boy. He filled his days riding bikes, visiting neighbors, and playing outside. His love for the outdoors remained with him throughout his life. A Boy Scout in his youth, Michael carried with him a strong sense of duty, adventure, and a belief in hard work.
From an early age, he was mentored by his father, Vern Lesh, a Master Electrician and owner of Lesh Electric. This guidance shaped his future, leading him to a lifelong career in the electrical field. Much like his job as an electrician, Michael’s true gift was filling people and places with light. He didn’t just power buildings—he powered lives. He uplifted those around him, supported those who needed a chance, and believed in people when they didn’t always believe in themselves.
Michael’s career came full circle, as he ended his working life by building his own electrical business—his first and last job. As a Master Electrician, he was a highly skilled craftsman, known for his hard work and attention to detail. Doing the job right was of the utmost importance to him. He took great pride in his work, ensuring that every wire, every connection, and every project met his high standards. His dedication and precision were hallmarks of his professional life, and those who worked with him knew him as a leader who valued integrity, discipline, and craftsmanship.
Michael was also a leader in every sense. As a foreman at Arapahoe Community College, he took immense pride in his work and in the people he mentored. He was passionate about giving opportunities to those who needed them, regardless of their background, because he saw value in everyone. His work ethic was unmatched, and his belief in fairness and integrity never wavered.
Michael’s sense of duty extended beyond his career. After graduating from Eaton High School, he enlisted in the Navy, serving as a radioman for four years, one month, and three days. His service was marked by dedication, skill, and camaraderie. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation—honors reflecting his steadfast commitment. His evaluation in the Navy described him as articulate, well-respected, and a leader with an infectious spirit. He was a proud veteran.
In 1970, Michael met the love of his life, Judie, in Maine. Their love story was one of devotion and patience—Judie wrote to him every day while he was at sea. When stationed in California, he asked her to join him, and in a simple yet heartfelt ceremony in his sister’s backyard, they became husband and wife. Their marriage, which lasted 55 beautiful years, was filled with unwavering love, laughter, and dancing in the kitchen.
More than just a husband, Michael was Judie’s best friend—her partner in all things. He was a loving and nurturing husband who always made sure she felt cherished and supported. Their connection was built on trust, companionship, and an unbreakable bond that carried them through the highs and lows of life. They created a home filled with warmth, humor, and love, always putting each other first.
Beyond his career and his service, Michael had a deep love for history and old things. Together with Judie, he built a successful antique business, Wales and Hamlen, in Bridgton, Maine. They shared a passion for antiques, junking, and discovering hidden treasures. Michael had an eye for finding beauty and history in forgotten objects, often bringing home unique finds from the dump—much to my mom’s delight. He especially loved old things with a story, knowing that every piece carried a past worth preserving.
The Wales and Hamlen Building, a historic commercial landmark built in 1882, became a special part of their journey. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it remains one of Bridgton’s most architecturally sophisticated commercial buildings. Running this business together was one of the happiest times of their lives, working side by side, sharing their love for antiques, and creating something truly special.
Michael was a deeply spiritual man, guided by his intuition and a belief in the Holy Spirit. He spoke his truth—sometimes to a fault—but always with the intent of teaching his children, Kevin and Erin, to trust their hearts and the inner wisdom that he believed lived within all of us.
Outside of work and family, Michael found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved fishing for hours, the quiet peace of the water a reflection of his introspective nature. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and trapping, and he was an avid reader, diving into books on business, entrepreneurship, real estate, and politics.
He was a private man, humble, and wholly dedicated to providing for his family. No matter what was happening in his own life, if you needed him, he would drop everything to be there. He was our rock, our steady hand, and our source of laughter, even in difficult times.
As we say goodbye to Michael today, we hold on to the warmth of his spirit—the sound of his infectious laughter, his steadfast love, and the light he brought into our lives.
He will be deeply missed by his wife, Judie; his children, Kevin and Erin; Erin's husband, Maslen; and their daughters, Aryana and Breshia Flett. He is also missed by his sister, Lynne and his brother, Jeff. While we mourn his passing, we find comfort in knowing he has found peace in joining his mother, Vivian, who recently passed, and his father, Vern, who are both now reunited with him.
Much like his work as an electrician, Michael’s true calling was to bring light into the lives of others. That was his gift, and that is what he has left behind.
Michael, you will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Your love, your laughter, and your unwavering spirit will forever be a part of us.
Rest in peace. We love you.
