LESLIE C. SWAYZE

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

• Sorry for the loss of your dad, remembering him running around with his "water truck" at Balsam Bay back in the day. He will be missed. My condolences to Carol as well. - Posted by: BRENDA MACLENNAN (Friend to Cathy and Family) on: Nov 27, 2014

• I worked for Les in the mid 70's, being brought into the "Swayze Service team" at the age of 15, following the footsteps of my brother Blair and starting work at the Esso on Academy. I can relate to Blair's story (below), finding those match sticks in some funny places, always keeping us on our toes! Les has always been in my thoughts since then, as a boy and young man then, he was a great teacher and mentor. Thank you Les...You'll always be remembered! - Posted by: Allen Dunn (Former Employee (& Friend)) on: Nov 25, 2014

• As a neighbour who lived across Hudson Street, I remember Les (Mr. Swayze) being a truly funny man who was always cracking jokes making all of us girls on the baseball team laugh. I also remember being as kind as the Swayze's were, they invited me to come along on one of those road trips one summer, where I still remember to this day how big Lake Superior really is! I am so sorry for your loss Carole, Cathy, and Connie and extended family. May you find peace knowing that God has taken him Home to a better place. ♡♡♡ - Posted by: Lynda Brown (Lamirande) (previous neighbours ) on: Nov 23, 2014

• We met Les and Carole at the lake. Didn't take long to be friends .. A very likable man, always ready to give a hand. It was always a welcoming sight when Les and Carole came out to the lake. Andy will miss sharing morning coffee with him. Or whenever he sat down, his contagious smile/grin. We will both miss you may you rest in peace, friend - Posted by: Andy&bOlive (friend and neighbour) on: Nov 23, 2014

• I have fond memories of the family get togethers and parties at Les and Carole's. I will remember his roaring laugh and infectious smile! Les was always the 'host with the most' and life of the party! - Posted by: Carolyn Ayre (cousin (by marriage)) on: Nov 23, 2014

• It is with sadness that I read the notice of Les’s passing. Though I hadn’t seen Les, or his family, for many years they were always in my thoughts and my heart. Les was a great man to work for and also a dear friend. He was like a second father to me and his family my second family - I was always welcomed in their home. I worked for Les for many years in the early 70’s starting with him at the Esso on Sargent and Maryland, to the Chalet at Lyndale Dr. and St. Mary’s Rd, and then to the Esso at Academy and Beaverbrook St. Les was one of the best mechanics I’ve ever known, I’m confident he could fix anything brought to him. When working for Les all the guys knew keeping the garage clean was very important to him and it didn’t take long to learn how important it was to your job. Each and every night we diligently scrubbed and washed the bay floors making sure there was not a trace of oil or a grease spot on the floor from the days work for Les to see the next morning, or he would mention it. Les also had a trick to make sure the bathrooms were properly cleaned. He would sometimes hide match sticks in the corners of the office or the bathroom floor to make sure they were properly cleaned, if you missed them and they were still there the next time he checked it was mentioned. When Les had to mention things he was always fair and usually just asked you do a better job, he only expected a job well done from his employees. Then there were his cars (Cathy and Connie’s too!) that were always kept clean. Les liked a clean car and I helped by washing his cars many times when I worked for him. It’s a trait though that I appreciated and a habit I used and have kept in keeping my own vehicles clean. Thanks Les, you were an important part of my life as I was growing up and working at the garage - I learned a lot from you. You will be fondly remembered in my heart. Rest in peace, sleep well. - Posted by: J. Blair Dunn (Friend, Former Employee) on: Nov 23, 2014

• I first met Les in early 1970, he was a great mechanic, I was having problems with my 1970 Plymouth duster, Les came over, the Swayze's lived right across the street. We became friends right away. He looked after my vehicles for a long time, even sold me a few. Was accepted in their family,as I was one of their own. Got to meet a lot of the family,even Carole's parents. Coached Connie in baseball, both Connie and Cathy were very good catchers,and great in other sports as well. I will never forget Les and his wonderful wonderful family!!!! Les was like a second father to me. Love you lots my dear friend. You are in another wonderful place.. Rest in peace ole chum!!! 🚗🚤🐈🐕 - Posted by: Larry McKenzie (Friend and former neighbour) on: Nov 22, 2014

• Les was a good dancer He thought me how to polka in the 1969 I always love him Rest in peace. Les you will always be in my heart xx - Posted by: Micheline Auclair (Mich) (Friend ) on: Nov 22, 2014

• I worked for Les at the Petro-Canada on Academy road in the early 1980's. He was a tough boss but just like his obituary said "Les made it very easy to understand where he stood on anything, always truthful and direct. Beneath that candor, was a tremendously giving and kind heart, with a sharp sense of humour that always had everyone laughing." I couldn't agree more with that statement, he was a heck of a guy to work for, he will be sadly missed. - Posted by: Stu Brown (Former employee) on: Nov 22, 2014