Remembering Leslie Fedor

  Fedor László (Leslie/Les)

  1932 - 2026

Fedor László arrived in Canada as a refugee of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Though he spoke no English, he brought with him skills, gratitude, and determination to create a better life.  

To adapt in this country, László changed his name to Leslie; to succeed here, he seized its many opportunities. He sponsored his sister and her daughter the following year to share Canada's bounty and the house he built months after his arrival.

Leslie's care and ambition convinced a woman to emigrate from the Netherlands and start a family with him in Orillia despite their language, cultural, and religious differences; the union lasted 50 years. László and Marijke were the first couple to wed at Regent Park United Church where they became active members. Les was the head usher, constructed the nursery and undertook many projects for the congregants which furthered his renown for hard work, mastery, and kindness.

From southern Ontario to the province of Quebec, Les took on innumerable projects, contributing much to the landscape of Orillia. Among the multitude of tasks he turned his hand to, Les built a bigger home for his family, and five more houses for others in his off-hours. After 32 years as a career pattern maker at Fahralloy/Kubota, his retirement provided more time for supplementary ventures.  

Leslie's energy was matched only by care his for family and those needing his help. Frugality and tireless labour resulted in prosperity but did not detract from his generosity. Nor did Leslie's drive ever wane. At 90 he would shovel his driveway at the first sign of snow, and share with neighbours the produce he still grew.  

During his stay at Extendicare in Lakefield, Les relived his many accomplishments and yearned to do more. The staff enjoyed his affable nature, and he appreciated their attentive care though he longed to return home. There, he imagined animals required feeding, his garden needed tending, and firewood was left uncut. Convinced the factoryawaited him, he also believed that from Orillia to Hungary, people still sought his assistance. Leslie continued to work and help others until his final days - even if it was only in his reverie.

With a life of labour and service completed, László has now returned home. Rest is his reward, but industriousness was his heaven on earth. 

Pre-deceased by his wife Marijke (Mary) and his siblings, Leslie is fondly remembered by descendants of both family branches from Europe to Australia. In Canada he is survived by his nieces Helen Levac and Kathy Morgunov; their children Theresa, Amanda, Natalie and Melissa; his friend Georgina Bartalis; his daughter Ilka; his granddaughters Whitney and Rachel; and by his son Mark who is proud to call Les Fedor his dad and hero.

Sharing sorrow diminishes grief; sharing happiness increases joy. Informing you of my father's death lessens sadness, while recalling his life stirs fond memories. If this also sparks pleasant feelings in others, please share his story with them, too.

Guests will be received at Carson Funeral Home (705) 326-3595 on Saturday March 7, 2026 for visitation starting at 12 pm followed by a service in the chapel to celebrate Leslie’s life starting at 1 pm. Burial will follow at St. Andrews – St. James’s Cemetery in Orillia. Following the burial, a reception luncheon will be held back at Carson Funeral Home. The service will be livestreamed and available to watch in real time on Carson Funeral Homes’s You tube channel.

Without assuming that we'll gather virtually or in person, I thank you now for enriching my life as Dad has.

Online condolences and memories may be left at www.carsonfuneralhomes.com

                                   “Life is not easy but it is good to alive”