Though his work with Rutgers Cooperative Extension took him from one end of the state to the other, he was especially dedicated to representing and advocating for South Jersey's peach and apple farmers.

During his many years of service to the agricultural industry, Les helped found the Camden County Regional Festival, now known as the New Jersey Peach Festival, and served as secretary and treasurer of the New Jersey Small Fruits Council and the New Jersey Peach Council.

Les, who graduated from Rutgers University in 1954 with a degree in horticulture, championed the use of new growing techniques to improve overall production. He worked closely with state specialists to try to reverse the trend of peach tree loss in the state and was a strong proponent of using research and evaluation as tools for improving overall peach production throughout New Jersey.

Les' greatest reward, he said, was seeing growers implement his recommendations and watching as they took hold, resulting in improved growing techniques and ultimately, increased production.

Les passed away May 29, 2001. He was 71.