Leslie G. Pilchak

Leslie G. (Les) Pilchak June 26, 1940 - August 5, 2015 Leslie "Les" Geza Pilchak (born Laszlo Geza Pilcsak), 75, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at his home in Richmond, BC. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Marlene; his son Les Jr. (Jennifer) of Surrey, BC; his daughter Angela Smith (Trevor) of Delta, BC. He was [quote]Proud Papa[quote] to his grandchildren Jordan and Justin Smith, and Melody and Susanna Pilchak. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and other family in Canada and in Hungary.

Les was born on June 26, 1940 in Hungary and emigrated to Canada in 1957. He attended a Soviet military flight academy near Kiev, Ukraine and escaped to freedom during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. After spending a brief time in Austria and France, Les arrived in Vancouver. Les embraced Canada as his new home and worked to learn English and to contribute to Canadian society. He worked and went to school simultaneously to earn his CGA designation as well as other business oriented professional degrees.

Les worked for 12 years at Canfor, being promoted to various senior management positions before leaving the forest industry to become Chief Executive for various companies including Money's Mushrooms, Western Greenhouse, and Asenda Pharmaceuticals to record success. He spent his retirement as Executive Director of his son's company, E-CARD ID Products Ltd.

Les' greatest joy in his later years was attending his grandchildren's activities. He was always their biggest fan. He will be missed at rinks, lacrosse boxes, football fields, and ballet performances around the Lower Mainland.

At Les' request there will be no funeral or memorial service held. The family appreciates the kind words of sympathy and support received during this sad time.