Obituary for Lester Walter Karas
KARAS, Lester Walter - passed away peacefully at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, on July 22, 2019 in his 89th year. Reunited with his wife and best friend, Flora Karas (d. May 29, 2011). Devoted father of Paul, Elaine and Sandra, and grandfather of Catherine, Nicholas, Elyse, Dante, Zachary and Kassandra. Dear brother of Harvey (d. Aug. 9, 1969) George and Fran Floen.
Lester grew up on a farm near Hesketh Alberta. He worked hard and obtained loans so he could stay at a dormitory in Drumheller to finish his high school diploma. He went on to obtain his Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Alberta. An important part of his legacy is that he encouraged and facilitated his children’s university educations and their music lessons. After graduation, he and Flora drove east to Toronto where he held jobs with Honeywell and Ontario Hydro.
In 1959, Les and Flora bought a house in Newmarket, and lived the rest of their days there. Lester was an active member at Grace Church, as an Elder, a teacher, a youth group sponsor, a leader in Boy’s Brigade, and a sound technician. He was the chairman of the building committee for the current Grace Church building and Newmarket and District Christian Academy.
Les was an avid target shooter and won many awards and competitions. Les was a proud member of the reserve army, and retired with the rank of Brigadier General. He became well known for writing numerous articles about shooting. Unfortunately, that passion also contributed to a profound hearing loss in his later years.
When he was growing up on the farm, he learned how to fix farm equipment. Then he became adept at fixing cars, electrical problems, and household appliances. He demonstrated an attitude of service by helping others in his community.
For most of his life, Les was blessed with good health. In April of 2018 he had a stroke that resulted in a lengthy stay in Southlake Hospital, and then at a rehab hospital in Toronto, and then another rehab facility in Maple, and then a stay at Park Place in Aurora, and finally back to Southlake. Many thanks to the caring staff at Southlake, and at Chartwell Park Place.
Friends may call at the Roadhouse & Rose Funeral Home, 157 Main Street South, Newmarket, on Sunday July 28th from 7 – 9 pm for visitation. The funeral service will be in the chapel at noon on Monday July 29th. Reception to follow. Interment will be at the Pine Orchard Cemetery.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to either:
Mission Aviation Fellowship
102-195 Hanlon Creek Boulevard
Guelph, Ontario
N1C 0A1
or
Canadian Bible Society
10 Carnforth Rd,
NorthYork, Ontario
M4A 2S4
Lester grew up on a farm near Hesketh Alberta. He worked hard and obtained loans so he could stay at a dormitory in Drumheller to finish his high school diploma. He went on to obtain his Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Alberta. An important part of his legacy is that he encouraged and facilitated his children’s university educations and their music lessons. After graduation, he and Flora drove east to Toronto where he held jobs with Honeywell and Ontario Hydro.
In 1959, Les and Flora bought a house in Newmarket, and lived the rest of their days there. Lester was an active member at Grace Church, as an Elder, a teacher, a youth group sponsor, a leader in Boy’s Brigade, and a sound technician. He was the chairman of the building committee for the current Grace Church building and Newmarket and District Christian Academy.
Les was an avid target shooter and won many awards and competitions. Les was a proud member of the reserve army, and retired with the rank of Brigadier General. He became well known for writing numerous articles about shooting. Unfortunately, that passion also contributed to a profound hearing loss in his later years.
When he was growing up on the farm, he learned how to fix farm equipment. Then he became adept at fixing cars, electrical problems, and household appliances. He demonstrated an attitude of service by helping others in his community.
For most of his life, Les was blessed with good health. In April of 2018 he had a stroke that resulted in a lengthy stay in Southlake Hospital, and then at a rehab hospital in Toronto, and then another rehab facility in Maple, and then a stay at Park Place in Aurora, and finally back to Southlake. Many thanks to the caring staff at Southlake, and at Chartwell Park Place.
Friends may call at the Roadhouse & Rose Funeral Home, 157 Main Street South, Newmarket, on Sunday July 28th from 7 – 9 pm for visitation. The funeral service will be in the chapel at noon on Monday July 29th. Reception to follow. Interment will be at the Pine Orchard Cemetery.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to either:
Mission Aviation Fellowship
102-195 Hanlon Creek Boulevard
Guelph, Ontario
N1C 0A1
or
Canadian Bible Society
10 Carnforth Rd,
NorthYork, Ontario
M4A 2S4