Laszlo George Vigh

It is with a very heavy heart and deep sadness that we announce the passing of our Hero; Our Father, Husband, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather LASZLO GEORGE VIGH. Laszlo (Papa Les) was born on February 4, 1936 in Budapest, Hungary to Maria and Laszlo Vig. Les grew up in a family of faith, and was an Altar Boy in the Catholic Church. Although times were hard, Les always kept Hope, Dreams, and Love for humanity alive in his Heart. Les dreamed of being in the Olympics one day so he trained hard and became a middle weight boxing champion in Hungary.

Sadly his dreams were put on hold when the communist invaded Hungary. Les then became a "freedom fighter" in the Hungarian Revolution. Not only did Les fight for the freedom of his country, he fought to survive, with hope in his heart, never letting go of his vision of Freedom. Determined to live, Les had a plan; he would fight the communist while making his way to the Austrian border and free land. He succeeded!!

In 1956, by boat (with fellow Hungarian refugees), Les arrived in America, "Land of the Free." First Florida, New York, then Chicago, where Les settled and found work as a lathe machine operator. Intrigued with American technology, Les saved money to buy his first film camera and instantly fell in love with Photography, and this became a life long passion.

Les also loved Music and Dancing; this is where he met Sarah (Sally). She recalls "Les always dressed sharp, looked classy, well groomed, and handsome." He would teach her the Hungarian folk dance Czardas, and she would teach him English. Les enjoyed dancing, listening to jazz, instrumental music, and days at the lake taking pictures. Sally's parents, Ed and Mary Yuro (RIP), would became Les's parents in America.

In 1962 Les was offered a great opportunity in Los Angeles, CA to work with Hungarian Dentist Dr. Kovacs, in his dental laboratory. Here Les learned the art of Dental Technology and soon proved to be the best dental technician in the lab. Les later decided he would open his own dental practice, Prosthetic Arts Dental Laboratory, in Burbank, CA.

Les enjoyed playing pool after work and it is here he meet his sweetheart Patricia. He adored her, treated her like his queen, never wanting to leave her side. For better or worse, sickness and heath, he stood by her; she was his love. Together they enjoyed many years of traveling, road trips, site seeing, outings with close friends and priceless memories created at home with family. Papa Les would cook Hungarian dishes like chicken paprikash, letcho and Hungarian Goulash while always taking family photos.

In 1993, Les became an American Citizen. He was so honored and proud to receive his USA Certificate of Citizenship; His vision of freedom realized; A true testament to his Strength, Commitment and Heart.

Les also loved sports including soccer, tennis, bowling, basketball and especially boxing. He loved watching the Olympics on TV and was so excited in 1984 when he was finally able to attend the Olympic Games in person.

Les was also very fascinated with the arts and had a great eye for talented artists. He loved collecting oil paintings on canvas and took classes with one of his favorite artist. Soon Les was creating his own beautiful oil paintings.

Les loved nature and finding unique locations in the mountains, deserts, and oceans to photograph. His favorite place on earth was Sedona. He loved the peace, beauty, serenity and spirituality of this location.

Les always captured the natural the beauty in everything surrounding him and he expressed this through his photography and paintings. Les could always be found with a camera in his hands, never to miss a single beautiful moment, or cherished family memory.

Les was so very proud of all his children, grandchildren and their accomplishments. Papa Les only ever spoke words of Love and Encouragement. His Greatest Joy in Life was, without a doubt, his Family. Papa Les always had the most beautiful sparkle in his eyes whenever he spoke of his children and grandchildren.

His touch, Always Gentle. His words, Always Kind. Papa Les taught us what it is to Love Unconditionally, without prejudice or judgment. Papa Les would always say "I am the richest man in the world! My heart is full with the love of my children and my family. That's all I need; You, are my riches."

Papa Les passed away peacefully surrounded with So Much Love and all his family by his side on August 22, 2019.

Les is preceded in death by his parents, Laszlo and Maria Vig, his brother John Vig, and step-son Steven Lindeman. Les is survived by his sweetheart Patricia Lindeman, his brother Istvan Vig, his daughters Maria Vigh and Susan Bogartz/Rob, his son Stephen Vigh, daughters Tracy Maldonado and Stacy Moultrie/Tom, his Grandchildren Evan/Kayla, Jacob, Alyssa, Samantha, Zachary, Alec, Lindsay, Brendon, Christopher, and his great-grandson Mason.

Les's family would like to thank all the loving and caring staff at HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center for their Exceptional Care and Compassion.