Leslie Orlin Troite, 87, of Sweet Home passed away Thursday. He was born in Ryder, North Dakota to Olaf Thomas and Hilda (Lindstrom) Troite.

He served as a Seaman 2 in the United States Navy. He entered in 1946 and was honorably discharged in 1948.

Leslie came to Sweet Home in 1959 to work on the railroad. He lived near Culbertson, Montana when he married Caroline, and their son, Gary, was born.

He worked with Burlington Northern and Southern Pacific railroads from 1959 to 1981. He was a member of Sweet Home Evangelical Church.

Leslie enjoyed woodworking, traveling, playing guitar, and singing. He loved his sweetheart, Betty, time with friends and family, and old time western music. In the early 50s he sang on Fay Crush radio station in Montana.

He is survived by: his wife, Betty; son, Gary and his wife Cheryl; daughter, Linda; grandchildren, Steven and his wife Tiffany Troite of Sweet Home, Tina Troite of Bend, Gary and his wife Shannon of Washington, Michael and his wife Amy of Washington, Nicholas and his wife Marilyn of Sweet Home; nine step children and their spouses; five grandchildren; 28 step-grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; 10 step-great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Harold Peterson of Aberdeen, South Dakota; sisters, Olga Erickson of Coos Bay, Stella Belik of Stanley, North Dakota; sisters-in-law, Marcella Mikkleson and Joanne Neether.

Leslie was preceded in death by his first wife, Caroline; sisters, Clarinda, Selma, and Emma; brother, Arnold; and great grandson, Nicholas.

A viewing will take place from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., Monday, February 18, at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 19, at Sweet Home Evangelical Church in Sweet Home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.