LESLIE JOSEPH KARAKAS

With heavy hearts, we announce that Leslie Karakas passed away on September 14th at the St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 88.

He is survived by his children, Michael (Tami) and Marilyn (Joe); and his grandchildren, Glenn (Heather), Andrea (Chris), and Steven. He was predeceased by his wife, Margaret. He was fortunate to meet his next love, Linda Turner (deceased), and her family, Sheri (Kesh), and subsequently shared his life with many wonderful people, including Eleanor Kopytko.

Leslie, a resilient and determined individual, was a generous, caring brother, father, and grandfather. He called his life an adventure when he wrote his memoir, and it was an adventure. Born the seventh in a family of nine in Szeghalom, Hungary, he left the family farm to pursue his education and training in Budapest. He experienced the chaos of the Hungarian Revolution, where he narrowly escaped being shot more than once by running across rooftops, seeking shelter behind an overturned streetcar, ‘trusting his gut’ by staying on a train and then walking under the cover of darkness to escape from Hungary with a trusted friend, Hetyei Laszlo. He eventually found his way to England and Winnipeg (he thought he was going to Edmonton), where he attended night school to learn English. He subsisted on a meagre milk and bread diet more than once and lived from paycheck to paycheck. Leslie explored and walked everywhere. He made lifelong friends wherever he went.

While in Budapest, he worked as a bricklayer helper, a metal turner, and a (machinist) trainee. Once in Winnipeg, he was employed in upholstery, became a sample pattern maker, and retired after over twenty years as an instructor at the Stony Mountain Institution, a testament to his unwavering determination to support himself and his family. 

Leslie's life was rich and full, filled with diverse interests and hobbies that brought him joy and fulfillment. He was a fan of the Winnipeg Jets, enjoyed camping at Lee River, and had a cottage in Whiteshell Provincial Park. He also gardened, loved dancing, played bridge and cards, played badminton, bowled, and was a fine cook and baker. 

We thank the St. Boniface Hospital staff for their kindness, care, and compassion during his short stay.

In accordance with his wishes, his ashes will be laid to rest with Margaret. A Celebration of his Life will be held at 2:00pm on September 24, 2024, at 603 Wellington Crescent (First Universalist Church of Winnipeg).

Instead of flowers, donations can be made to the Red Cross, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, CancerCare Manitoba, or your chosen charity.

Leslie’s family invites his family and friends to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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