"Mr. Lespron was truly one of the best. I have a lot of memories but two really stand out and really describe what kind of person Mr. Lespron was. Mr. Lespron and I probably attended 10 weddings together and he knew how much my husband Eric hated to dance. He even decided to take Eric out on the dance floor to try and teach him some of his moves. Knowing how much Eric dreaded dancing at weddings, Mr. Lespron made a deal with me that at every wedding I could fully rely on him to dance with me. Every wedding he would say, ?see you on the dance floor .? The other memory I have of him was a time a few of us girls were all over at the Lespron?s house and he told us how IMPORTANT it was that all girls carry some form of protection. So in true Joel fashion he marched into the garage and came back with a huge handful of pocket knives. Almost like he was giving them out like party favors. Made us all laugh and I still have them 15 years later. Mr. Lespron really cared about people. Even people that he didn?t know. He never felt like he needed to be anyone but himself. Sporting his cowboy hat, jeans and boots at weddings. If we can learn anything from Mr. Lespron, it is not to be afraid of being ourselves and to love people unconditionally. I?m going to miss dancing with him at weddings but I know he?s dancing it up in heaven. My husband has now said that he is going to be dancing at weddings from now on just to honor Mr. Lespron. We will be dancing for him. I love you Mr. Lespron and I will miss you deeply. "
In loving memory of
Joel Lespron, Jr
Joel Lespron, Jr, 66, of Scottsdale, AZ, went home to the Lord, surrounded by his family, on March 19, 2021. An Arizona Native, Joel was born in Phoenix to Nellie (Serrano) and Joel Lespron, Sr. He graduated from Scottsdale High School in 1972 and attended Scottsdale Community College and NAU. He went on to work for over 40 years in construction as an industrial insulator and retired as a superintendent from Far West Insulation in 2017.
He was an avid hunter and loved the Arizona outdoors. He spent much of his life pursuing his passion. The only thing he loved more was his family. He met his wife, Julie, in Scottsdale in 1981. They were engaged after a month of dating and married in 1982. Together they have 3 children, Joel III "Joey" (Cara), Marcus (Katie) and Leah (Kevin). They have 3 grandchildren, Braylin (6), Joel IV (4) and Wyatt (1). He spent many years coaching his childrens' sports teams and never missed a game all the way through high school. He was known for his sense of humor, honesty and loyalty to family and friends and will be truly missed by all. He is preceded in death by his father, Joel Lespron, Sr and also survived by his mother, Nellie, brothers, Danny and Johnny and sisters, Caroline and Jackie.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the AZ Humane Society https://www.azhumane.org/ or Shriners Children's Hospital. https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc/donate
A visitation will take place Wednesday, March 24 from 4-7 p.m. at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary in Scottsdale. His Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, March 25 at 1 p.m. at La Casa De Cristo Lutheran Church. Joel requests only bright colors be worn in celebration.
Tributes
"I met Joel on my deck up north. I invited him and the boys hunting with him to a meal. I know I had a pot of beans going with tortillas and can\'t remember what else, but all the laughter and great night it was! Joel was explaining how beautiful the leaves were in the forest that weekend. I told him I wish i could see those colors as I really haven\'t see those bright colors before in AZ.
The next day here comes the gang again and I see Joel walking towards my trailer, he\'s carrying a huge branch of colorful breath taking color leaves all over, reds, orange, yellow and gold. He says here for you, a thank you for cooking for us. I won\'t ever forget that weekend Noel introduce me to his brother in-law! I still have some of each color of leaves that were on those branches. He touched my heart. My husband and I are so thankful we met you Joel ?"
"Three decades ago I met Joel through our common passion for hunting. Since we are only a few months apart in age, together we\'ve seen our kids go through grade school, high school and college, marriage and grandkids. He\'s a wonderful friend, always generous with his time, and someone whom I already miss. Bob"
"Besides his witty jokes, amazing humor and infectious laugh he always knew how to make all us girls smile. Whether we were going through a break up and needed to be cheered up on Lespron taco night or were celebrating at our weddings Joel made us feel special. I know I am not alone on this tradition but this memory will forever be one of my favorites. When the Lesprons would attend a wedding they continued a tradition of allowing the bride to wear Joel?s hat and dance in it. It was such a special moment to dance in one of his infamous hats in one of the happiest moments of my life. I will forever cherish these amazing memories. ?"
"This sums up Joel?s love for his family, especially his wife Julie....... We were sitting near each other in church one Sunday morning, and Julie went to the front of the church to assist with communion. Joel turned to me and said ?Isn?t my wife beautiful?? Yes Joel she is, and you were a beautiful soul. Sending hugs to the whole Lespron family. "
"No words could ever lift the burden of sorrow shared by family and friends. Joel was a good man. I loved him as a friend, a co-worker,and retirement buddy. He was always cheerful and uplifting and bright colors at his service would be exactly the inspiration he would want us all to have; to be cheerful and uplifting. That?s Joel, a loving father and husband. I will always cherish the memories of fun and joy he gave us. "