Lesley L. Covell

PITTSBURG – Lesley L. Covell, 86, of Pittsburg, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Coös County Nursing Hospital in W. Stewartstown, after many months of declining health. He was born in Pittsburg on June 15, 1939, a son of the late Forrest and Hilda (Dearth) Covell. Born and raised in Pittsburg, Lesley was an avid outdoorsman and high school athlete. In its inaugural season, Les joined the Pittsburg High School cross-country team as a senior, coming in second place in the state meet - his one and only foray into running. Les was noted as one of the famous Covell/Covill family hunting guides in a 1960s feature article in Yankee Magazine. He was also a long-time member of the NH Guides Association. Les started working as a laborer at Ethan Allen Furniture factory in Beecher Falls, Vt. soon after getting married. He had an aptitude for numbers and with the introduction of computer technology at the factory he rose to head the department. He spent long hours converting payroll and financial record-keeping from paper to computers for Ethan Allen, making a career of it. Les and his loving wife of 64 years, Ruth, raised their children on the shore of Lake Francis. Together they nurtured a love for swimming, fishing, and all things outdoors that extended to their many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. Later in life, Lesley became an active member of the Farnham Memorial United Methodist Church, including as treasurer for many years. He also spent 12 years as selectman for the town of Pittsburg. He was a stoic, hard-working man who preferred a simple life and served as a role model for his children and grandchildren throughout his long life. He leaves behind two sons, Mark Covell of Pittsburg and Darrel (Amy) Covell of Swanville, Me.; his five grandchildren Ashley D. Haynes, Kaitlyn M. Covell, Ian M. Covell, Graham K. Covell, and Aidan M. Covell; a brother, Bobby Covill; a sister, Linda Covill; and numerous nieces and nephews. Les is predeceased by his wife, Ruth (Foote) Covell in 2024; a son, Matthew in 1979; a daughter, Diane Haynes in 2023; and siblings, Gordon Covill, Bernard Covill, Lindsey Covill, Edwin Covell, Gary Covell, Geneva Shallow, and Joanne Foote. There are no public calling hours. A celebration of life gathering will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, 12-2 pm at Community Church Hall, next to the Farnham United Methodist Church on Main Street in Pittsburg. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Les Covell may be made to the FUMC, c/o D. Young, P.O. Box 6, Pittsburg, NH 03592, or to the Pittsburg Fire Department, 1684 Main St., Pittsburg, NH 03592. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.

Lesley L. Covell

June 15, 1939 - May 19, 2026