Leslie Albert

He was born in Dunakiliti, Hungary to Laszlo and Alojzia, and brother to George (deceased) and his beloved sister Gabbi.

Leslie lived a remarkable life, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by his loved ones. Having left Hungary in 1956 during the Hungarian Uprising, Leslie eventually moved to Canada. While he remained close to his Hungarian family, he found a new one in the Hungarian community in Toronto, Canada, where he formed many lasting friendships. In the 1960s, he started a beautiful family with his wife Margaret Horvath (deceased) and their two children, Jackie and Leslie Jr. (deceased) and the two remained married for several years. He became loving Grandpa to Shannon and Dillon and Great Grandpa to Valen. Years later, Leslie found love again, and in 1989, he married the late Helen Albert, whom he loved dearly. He enjoyed great happiness with Helen and her children, Edie (Umberto), Ilona (Chuck, deceased) and Mary, and was referred to as Leslie Papa by Christina, Salvatore, and Erika. He was also a cherished uncle to his several nieces and nephews.

A mechanical engineer by trade, Leslie began his career in Canada at a plastic injection moulding company but was soon convinced by his brother-in-law, Joe Horvath, to become Chief Engineer at Macdonald Ontario Tobacco Company. The company was sold in 1975 and in 1976, Leslie and Joe set out together to start their own company House of Horvath Inc., where they began manufacturing premium quality Cuban tobacco cigars. Leslie retired in 1997 due to health concerns but his legacy lives on as the company is still utilizing many of his mechanical inventions today.

Above all, Leslie had an incredible spirit and was a true lover of life. He was a storyteller and loved telling jokes, he was always happy to lend a capable hand to help friends and family. He was passionate about music, especially jazz, and he played the drums and keyboard. He loved baseball and was an avid golfer (story has it he shot his age at 84!).

While he leaves behind sad friends and family, Leslie will be remembered for his zest for life. If there is a lesson for the rest of us, it is that you have one life. Live it!

A very special thank you to Leslie’s caregivers at Chartwell Oak Ridges Retirement Residence, Dr. Brian Berger and his team, the staff at Southlake and Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital. Leslie often commented how beautiful everyone was.

A memorial service for Leslie will be held Saturday, July 29th, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home, 8088 Yonge Street, Thornhill, Ontario L4J 1W3. Reception to follow.

Kindly note the service will be livestreamed at https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/77161

The service will be recorded and can be viewed at the same link as above.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kanejerrett-thornhill.ca for the Albert family.