DR. LESLIE LATINECZ

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DR. LESLIE LATINECZ July 21, 1926 - October 29, 2004 Courageously, after a short illness, and with family by his side, Dr. Leslie Latinecz, our beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away on Friday, October 29, 2004 at the Grace Hospital at the age of 78 years. He will be lovingly be remembered, cherished and missed by his wife Charlotte of 59 years; children, Linda (Mike), Les (Shirley) and precious Justin, Alyssa and Braden. Leslie was born and raised in Budapest, Hungary where he met and married his wife Charlotte. He received a Doctorate of Social Sciences in Budapest and earned his way through University by playing for the Hungarian National Soccer Team for 10 years and working on the docks. During the Second World War, he fought for the freedom of many Jews and 1949 joined the underground resistance against Communist rule. He was also editor of a newspaper in Budapest. During the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, Leslie and Charlotte fled to Vienna, Austria and immigrated to Winnipeg on January 21, 1960. While furthering his English, he laboured in a lumber yard and shovelled coal. His career included Mayoral Assistant to Stephen Juba; Director of City Welfare; Director of Continuing Education with Winnipeg School Division No. 1 (notable contributions in ESL and nutrition programs) and retired in 1988 as Director, Community Liason with the School Division. Leslies volunteer work as a humanitarian, child advocate, educator, multiculturalist and mediator (with his best friend O.T. Anderson) was well respected. He was Chairman of the Hungarian Association; founder of the Canadian Association for Community Education; Chairman of the Manitoba Multicultural Resource Centre; helped to establish the Vietnamese Association; wrote a political column for the Menorah newspaper. Leslie loved to travel and open his home to friends and parties. His love of soccer continued and he was Community Club Soccer Convener and coach. He was a warm, gentle, strong man of conviction who lived by his actions. With much devotion, his family came first and he cherished his newest and last role as "Gramps". The family would like to thank the staff of the Grace Hospital; many family and good friends; Lena Anderson and Joy; all who have offered support and compassion throughout the difficult time of Leslies last weeks. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 3 at Evangel Chapel, 1073 St. Marys Rd. at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grace General Hospital Foundation, 300 Booth Dr., Winnipeg, MB R3J 3M7. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 01, 2004