March 4, 1971 – October 21, 2025
Nampa, Idaho
Early Life
Leslie “Les” Cuthbert Short was born on March 4, 1971, in Seascale, Cumbria, England, to Alfred and Pauline Short. He grew up in the north of England, surrounded by family and the coastal beauty of Cumbria. Les completed his schooling at age 16 and went on to work in a variety of roles—including at a pub, a bed factory, and his family’s hotel. His last job before moving to the United States was at Chadwick’s Butchers in Standish, where he became known for making meat pies, sausage rolls, and the best hot chocolate around.
Family & Loved Ones
Les is survived by his loving wife, Liz (McAllister) Short; his father, Alfred, and his wife, Sheila; his sister, Victoria; his nieces and nephew, Zoe Clement, Leanne, and Zack Fisher; and many beloved aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his mother, Pauline, and sister, Samantha.
Les’ closest friends described him as a lovely lad and a wonderful man with a dry, British sense of humour. His best mate, Mark Fletcher, and many others cherished his wit, warmth, and thoughtfulness.
Passions & Personality
Les had a lifelong love of music, especially the band Queen—and would no doubt make a wry joke about how “The Show Must Go On” without him. A playlist of Les and Liz’s favorite songs can be found here.
He was also a lifelong video game enthusiast, collecting consoles, games, and memorabilia from the 1970s through the present day. Games he preordered are still arriving in the mail. He loved visiting AMT Games in Caldwell, Idaho, and searching pawn shops for hidden treasures.
A proud supporter of the Wigan Warriors Rugby League, Les followed the team faithfully for decades—attending matches since the 1980s, including at Wembley Stadium in London. Those wishing to honor his memory may donate to the Wigan Warriors Community Foundation at wiganwarriors.com/community.
A Heart for Home & Holiday
Les adored Christmas and approached the season with childlike joy every year. He often started buying gifts months in advance and kept a Christmas tree up year-round. He loved making the excitement of opening presents last all day long, and his Boxing Day tradition of watching various adaptations of “A Christmas Carol” with Liz was one of their most treasured customs. His definitive favorite version was the 1999 adaptation starring Patrick Stewart.
Les was a homebody who didn’t drive, preferring to explore the world by foot, bus, boat, or airplane. He formed deep, loyal friendships and surrounded himself with a small circle of people who absolutely adored him.
Love Story
Les’ life changed forever in 2011, when he met Liz on Twitter while discussing Doctor Who. Their shared humor, intellect, and love for all things sci-fi sparked an instant connection. Les’ father affectionately called them “a match made in heaven,” and everyone who met them agreed.
They met in person the following year, when Liz traveled to Wigan and Blackpool to meet Les and his family. Later that year, Les visited her in Michigan and Chicago. In 2013, he sold his cherished collections and possessions to raise the funds to move to Idaho, where he and Liz were married in January 2014.
Les embraced life in Idaho, though he always missed English food and weather—and especially good fish and chips. Over time, he developed an affection for Popeye’s Chicken and occasionally treated himself to 40 McNuggets and a strawberry milkshake from McDonald’s.
Interests & Character
Les was passionate about science fiction, particularly Star Wars, Star Trek, and Doctor Who (though he wasn’t entirely pleased with the recent regenerations). He and Liz shared a love for movies, television, and exchanging thoughtful gifts—Les had a remarkable memory for small details and often surprised Liz with things she had mentioned weeks or months before.
He was an active listener, a gentle soul, and a deeply romantic man. Beloved by dogs and small children alike, Les radiated warmth and quiet kindness.
Service Information
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with a viewing from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Zeyer Funeral Chapel, 83 N. Midland Blvd, Nampa, Idaho.
A celebration of Les’ life will follow later that afternoon at Liz’s cousin Susan’s home, and all who knew him are warmly welcome to attend.
Legacy
Les lived a life rich in love, humor, curiosity, and connection. He was a man who appreciated the simple joys of life—a well-crafted game, a favorite Christmas film, a good laugh with friends, and the deep companionship of the woman he loved. His gentle presence and infectious warmth will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
