December 11, 1937 – September 27, 2020
It is with heavy hearts and sincere gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the peaceful passing of Laszlo (Leslie) Imre on September 27, 2020 at Luther Nursing Home.
With his family by his side and daughter Patty had promised him that after his passing she would be the one to close his eyes and sing their favorite song “Que Sera Sera”.
Leslie is survived by his beloved wife, Anastasia (nee Priligou) of 48 years, and his loving daughters Patty Toufanidis, Gizella Imre, and Cia Giannakis (John).
Pappou will be profoundly missed by his grandchildren, Victoria, Foti, Michael, Nicholas, Kelvin, Anastasia, Deinage and Lilac; along with great grand child Kairi.
He will be missed by surviving sisters in law Agathi (Michael) Tsikriki of Greece, Voula Priligou of Australia. He is fondly remembered by numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, across Hungary, Greece and Australia.
He was predeceased by his parents, brothers, brothers in law and sisters in law.
Leslie was born December 11, 1937 in a small village called Zalagrasep, Hungary. He was the youngest of four boys and he was momma’s boy. He adored his momma Gizella!
As a young boy he worked on the family farm and on his spare time he played soccer. Dad’s dream and passion was soccer which he excelled and eventually was scouted by professional soccer coaches . At the tender age of 16 years old he was given the opportunity to be trained by professional soccer coaches and eventually become a professional soccer player for the Hungarian team but had to move to the big city Budapest, Hungary. But his momma would not hear of it for her young boy to move to the big city. Dad did not want to break momma Gizella’s heart and since he was a good son he attended a vocational college where he obtained a diploma in various trades.
Dad at the age of 19 years old wanted to experience the world and crossed the Atlantic Ocean to Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1956. He settled in Barry Ontario and eventually made his way to Winnipeg. Leslie would pray for a good looking European lady and in Winnipeg that’s where he met the love of his life Anastasia and indeed she was a good looking Greek lady!
They soon married and later Anastasia’s twin daughters moved to Winnipeg from Greece. Soon after they had a baby daughter and of course named her Gizella. Dad adored his baby girl, he adored his family!
Dad will be remembered for his kind, forgiving, easy going and quiet nature. He was the peacemaker in the family.
Due to Covid-19 crisis and health restrictions by the province of Manitoba a private family funeral service will be held.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Luther Nursing Home and to family and friends within Canada, Greece and Australia.
“Dad come to our dreams to sing our favorite song Que Sera Sera”
