from Billings Gazette February 14, 2006

Greenwich, Conn--Leslie Dean Cofer left us peacefully to rest in God's loving arms on Jan. 18, 2006 in his home in Greenwich of natural causes.

Leslie was born May 12, 1969 in Great Falls, MT to Joan Halko of Billings. He grew up in the Great Falls area and Billings, where he graduated from West High School in 1987.

In 1990, he moved to Montpelier, VT where he attended the prestigious New England Culinary Institute. He graduated in May of 1993 with two scholarships.

Leslie then went on to be a chef in some of the finest five-star restaurants in New York and Connecticut. He took pride in is profession and was very talented and successful.

Leslie was preceded in death by his grandfather, Martin Halko, cousin Joseph, nephew Thomas and niece Alexis.

He is survived by mother, Joan, sister Angela, brother and sister-in-law Aaron and Erin, sister and brother-in-law Tiffany and Ryan J, niece Carmen, nephews Tanner, Bryan and Christian, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A mass will be held at 11 a.m. Feb 26 at The Holy Trinity Parish in Centerville, MT.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.