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.
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. They were together 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 and he constructed the nursery, also undertaking many projects for the congregants furthering 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 his supplementary ventures.
Leslie's energy was matched only by his care for family and those needing help. His tireless labour and frugality resulted in prosperity but did not detract from his generosity. Nor did his drive ever wane. At 90 Leslie would shovel his driveway at the first sign of snow, and share with neighbours the produce he grew.
During his stay at Extendicare, 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 believing animals required feeding, his garden needed tending, and firewood was left uncut. Convinced that the factory awaited him, he was also certain that people from Orillia to Hungary still sought his assistance as he continued to work and help others until his final days - even if 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, all of whom love him very much, and were very much loved by Les.
Guests will be received at Carson Funeral Home – L. Doolittle Chapel 54 Coldwater St. E Orillia (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’ YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/live/r42W1faQXqs?feature=share
Without assuming that we'll gather virtually or in person, I thank you now for enriching my life as Dad has.
“Life is not easy but it is good to alive”
Condolences
Mark Andrew Fedor
Mar 8, 2026Thank you to all who attended Laszlo's funeral, viewed the service, sent flowers and donations, and your condolences via other venues. It means so much to the family. I hope to be able to reach out to you to thank you, and perhaps share a few more thoughts that time did not allow for, especially how your connection to Les impacts us. Unfortunately, this won't always be possible without your contact information. Therefore, I am writing here my thanks to everyone, and hope you will understand that if you are not contacted by phone, post, or e-mail, your kindness is very much appreciated, regardless. Thank you, Mark.
Hannelies Hoekstra
Mar 7, 2026Dear IIka and Mark, Whitney and Rachel, I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your father and granddad. Please accept my sincere condolances. I'm gratefull that you made it possible to attend the funeral-service via Youtube. I looked at the service two times, just to make sure I understood as much as possible of your words remembering your Dad and granddad, my uncle Lacy. Even though it is a very long time ago that we met, (once in Holland and the few days I ever visited your family in Orillia), I recognized the way you described his character. He was a remarkably friendly man. My thoughts went back to opa and oma and tante Aukje. I remember very well that they went to Canada to stay with your family for a long time. And especially do I remember all three of them expressing how fond they were of Lacy. It made us feel their trust in Marijke's choice for her husband. I remember the photographs they took of their stay with you and how they proudly showed them to us. These are such good memories. I remember how Marijke and I visited the factory where I saw Laci's working spot. He must have been such a precise worker. I even remember my father, Bernard, after Maatje's and his visiting your parents, boasting about the skills of his brother in law. Time flies. This moment is such a marker in time. Your father was 'the last man standing' of the generation following our opa and oma from Joure. I want to wish you strength for the sad moments you will undoubtedly have. I am sure that those moments will also come with a deeply felt gratitude for the (grand)father you had in Laci. Love to you all from your niece, Hannelies.
Betty & Gary McNeely
Mar 7, 2026Dear Mark & Kelly, our sincere condolences on the loss of your dad. Reading your beautiful eulogy helped us appreciate that your dad’s interesting life was one very well lived indeed! We can also better appreciate who you are, our generous, eloquent, thoughtful friend and neighbour. Hugs, Betty & Gary
Wendy Lawrenson
Mar 7, 2026Mark, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. He was a really good man. I always got a chuckle at how much he loved those store bought rotisserie chickens! You were so good to him Mark. He knew he was well loved. Rest easy Les.
Sipko Hoekstra and Maja Hiariej
Mar 6, 2026Dear Mark and Kelly, and dear Ilka, Whitney, and Rachel, my sincere condolences on the passing of your father and grandfather. What a beautiful life story you've written about him. He was a wonderful man in so many ways. It's wonderful to hear how creative he was, and how supportive he was of others and so sociable for those around him. A wonderful person has passed away. Much strength to you all! Yours sincerely, Sipko, your nephew from the Netherlands Greetings from me and Maja
Lynn & Dan Lubitz
Mar 5, 2026For Ilka and family. We've been life long friends I will always remember your soft spoken dad. He was always helpful to anyone he saw My mom.often enjoyed a ride home when he spotted her down town Many people will remember Les as a kind hearted friend. We know you are proud of him even as you feel the pain of his loss. All our love and support ❤️
Julia Cornish
Mar 5, 2026Dear Ilka Sending our deepest condolences to you and your family at this very difficult time.
Kathy and Barry Haley
Mar 4, 2026Our deepest Sympathies in the loss of your Beloved Father. May he Rest in Peace.
Diane Cancilla
Mar 3, 2026One rehearses for the actual time a cherished loved one will leave us ,but when it happens, it is not that easy..we are never really ready. My sincere condolences go out to Mark and family. I had the opportunity to meet your father a few times. I remember mostly how charming he was. He could tell a great story and had a super smile and upbeat personality. I am sending love and hugs at this time, as you move through your grief.
Mark Hoekstra
Mar 3, 2026Dear Ilka and Mark, I am truly sorry to hear about the passing of your father, my uncle, Laci. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. The obituary you wrote beautifully captures Laci’s spirit, which is a wonderful tribute to his life. It's heartening to know that he lived independently for so long and was well cared for, and appreciated, by the staff at Extendicare. It’s also comforting to think of the time you shared together until the end. Although I cannot attend the funeral in person, I will be present virtually through the Carson Funeral Home YouTube channel at 16:00 Brussels time. I understand how important it is to honor his memory, even from afar. Please remember that you are both in my thoughts. I wish you both strength and comfort as you navigate through this profound loss, knowing that Laci’s love and memory will always be with you. Your cousin, Mark Hoekstra (Brussels, Belgium)
Melinda Brandon
Mar 1, 2026Ilka and family, I am so very sorry to hear about your dad. I know how much you loved him and will miss him. Hold onto your memories . They will comfort you. Hugs my friend ❤️
Brenda and Gord Tran
Mar 1, 2026IIka and family I am so sad to hear about the passing of your father. I hope you can take comfort that we are thinking of you and family during this trying time. Big Hugs
Valarie Brewer
Mar 1, 2026My sympathy Mark to you and your Family in the loss of your Dad. Blessings Valarie Brewer (Kelly’s Cousin)