I worked with Les in Istanbul and have so many happy memories of our time there. We had terrific adventures together ! I was very lucky to know him. Visiting him in Canada (briefly) some years ago was a great catch up and it was a joy to experience his home and beautiful garden. I am so sad to hear this news ... he was much loved. Paul Cassidy (Ireland) ❤️

Les was Pat's classmate at Waterford District High School. Their lockers were side-by-side, which resulted in friendly banter ever day. The next 40 years saw them living completely separate lives, until their class commenced an annual get-together 20 years ago. Since then, Pat and husband Don have enjoyed many visits with Les, often at his beautiful park-like home. We are going to miss him terribly.

I've been reflecting on all of Les' accomplishments and the various aspects of his life. From what I know as his friend, he worked while a student at U of T as a part-time dance instructor, went on to work as a journalist in Winnipeg, lived for a time in England, worked for the federal government for many years and was part of the team that organized the meetings of the World Bank in Toronto in the 1980s. After retiring as a regional director he went on to teach English as a second language in Toronto and in Istanbul. Most recently, of course, he created a living art installation on his property and thoroughly enjoyed re-connecting with his friends and family in the Brantford area. Those relationships and experiences seemed to be deeply nourishing for him. Of course, through all of those different experiences, he was filled with life, intelligence, humour and great wit. He loved his family deeply and was a wonderful and challenging friend. --I remember asking him to look after his first cat, Martha, for a few weeks. That turned into many years and eventually to his current cat, Lily. I also mention his past life as a dance instructor because I have memories of him teaching my husband and step-daughter how to dance in our kitchen so they wouldn't humiliate themselves at her wedding! So many great memories.

An old friend, Will, who know lives in the U.S. wrote to me when I notified him of Les' death and I wanted to share his words:

"He was truly an independent, self-made person; and it would appear he retained that autonomy to the end. Despite his skeptical demeanor, he loved life deeply; for him more than most of us it must have been hard to surrender. Requiescat in pace..."

Our deepest condolences to Amy and Ron, Lesley and Jeff, James and all of Uncle Les's family.

Love Jenn Gurney-Ozog and Family

My sincere sympathy to Les' nieces and great-nieces. Your uncle was a wonderful person. I've known him for 40 years, worked with him for 20. He was a knowledgeable historian - taught me a lot about the city of Toronto, the CNE and tobacco country especially, a writer and pr practitioner, a gardener - you can't have too many plants, a talented home renovator - three houses at least, an eclectic collector, and what he did not know he made up for in humour. A fun loving, gentle, man who will be dearly missed.

I was going to post a photo I took of him smoking, but I see you have included it in your memorable video.

It was a privilege to have known Les. My deepest condolences to all of Les' family.

I will miss our annual garden centre shopping trips in Les' pickup truck, and his delight in showing me where he grew up. We loaded up his truck with our purchases and went for lunch in some good place he knew and had great conversations. I loved exploring his gardens and discovering all of his fun creations. He made me dig up as much periwinkle as I could to transplant to my garden. Les was a thoughtful host and a gentleman whenever he invited me and "the elders" for afternoon visits. We all appreciated his hospitality and sense of humour. I will always cherish our friendship.

Many tears are being shed for the loss of our wonderful neighbour and amazing friend whom we have had the great privilege to know and love. Always an inspiration, always down to earth, always a story to share. We will miss him every day and remember him always. Our friendship was in the "cards" ....Skat! May you rest in eternal peace Jac-San and Debs