Les Uziel

Les escaped communist Poland in the early 80’s. Lived in Germany for many years where he was educated and finished Physical Therapy Certification.

In the late 80’s, a Polish man from Santa Ana, California sponsored many Poles to migrate to United States of America. Les arrived in US thereafter.

Les initially worked at a factory in Santa Ana, but eventually practiced Physical Therapy under someone's license, as he did not take his board exams. With minimal English, Les completed his ADN as a Psychiatric Technician with honors. He had a career for nearly 30 years with Fairview Developmental Center State Hospital. Les worked his way up to through several promotions. He took care of his unit and achieved numerous awards and commendations earning him a tremendous respect and admiration from his colleagues.

During his employment at FDC, Les met and fell in love with Myra Franco. They married August 25, 1997 and have celebrated nearly 24 years together. The couple lived in Long Beach for about 7 years. On September 14, 2011, their only child, Madison Rae Uziel was born.

Les retired in 2012 at the age of 55. He and his family moved to Mission Viejo. He loved the city of Mission Viejo. He especially enjoyed hiking the trails of Oso Creek. During the height of the pandemic, Les hiked almost every day from his home through Oso Creek Trail and down to St Kilian Church. While the doors of St. Kilian Church remained closed, Les knelt in front of the church’s double doors and said his prayers. Once asked what he was praying God to do for him, he answered, “I am hoping God will give me a chance.”

On August 6, 2021, Les took his last hike. He was last seen on this day, and found deceased on August 11, 2021 at his favorite trail, Oso Creek. He was 64 years old.

Les survived by his wife Myra; daughter, Madison; mother, 97 years old, Maria; and his two older brothers, Fred and Janek.

He loved soccer and volleyball. He passionately engaged in taking on issues that were political and unpopular point of view. He was blunt giving his opinion on matters that were controversial and made sure he had facts to back it up. He was always eager to know about finance. He loved history and economics. He was well traveled. He enjoyed presenting new jokes during family and friends’ gatherings - polishing his jokes along the way, to deliver a better punch line next time around. Les was full of life, loud, comical, compelling and irresistible. He was generous, kind and someone you can rely on. Les will be sorely missed.