Lazslo AKA Leslie Kassa

Laszlo Kassa, also known as Laci (The short form - pronounced “lat see”) and as Leslie Kassa,  was sadly discovered in his home on Oct 3, 2022.   He passed from heart trouble at 72. Leslie was born on June 29, 1950 in Miskolc, Hungary to Istvan and Sarolta (Bodnar) Kassa.  While in Hungary Leslie learned a trade as a photoengraver in which he etched images on metal for the printing industry.   He worked various jobs, from factory work to restaurant service to business and sales.

Leslie and a friend left Hungary in 1968 with Passport Visas to vacation on a beach in “Yugoslavia”.   They waited until dark, swam the night through a body of water, crossing the border and arriving in Italy the next day.  They had left their homeland, escaping Communist Control with the ambitions, dreams and the zest of youth.  “In the West, the streets are lined with gold, and you will be free” they were told.  Laszlo Kassa arrived alone, with no family in Canada, in 1969.  Like many immigrants, he did not know the language, customs, culture, city nor people.

He was excited about his new country and opportunities ahead; as he often said “We’ll make a million”

Laszlo was a very social person who made friends and acquaintances among Toronto’s  Hungarian and European community.  He was proud of his Hungarian heritage and culture,  would prepare his national dishes and eagerly share the experience with others.   He was polite and well-mannered “up to European standards”.  He had a sense of humor and loved to laugh.  He loved cameras and photography.  He loved music and learned to play guitar.  He liked fast cars, drove fast and had the endurance to drive several miles for hours at a time.   He loved to play cards, and could often remember which cards had already been played.  This led him to the Poker Circuit as poker player

Leslie’s favorite pets were cats.  He had 2 cats in the 1970’s and his beautiful cat “Baby” was with him when he passed away.

He lived the last 53 years of his life in Toronto Ontario except for a short time in Saskatchewan in the 1970’s.

Just like swimming all night to freedom in 1968, Leslie always welcomed a challenge and accepted the risk.

Leslie is survived by his daughter Michelle (Sean) Merryman and grandson Ian of Houston TX.  Also, by his two older brothers and families in Hungary; Brother Károly (Gizella) Kassa and nephews Péter (Judit)  Kassa  and Tamás (Gabriella) Kassa.  Brother István (Iren) Kassa and niece Krisztina (Tamás) Prókai .  He is also survived by great nephews  Ádám Kassa, Marcell Kassa and Tamás Prókai , and great niece Szófia Prókai

He is also predeceased by his parents Sarolta (Bodnár) Kassa (1911-1992) and István Kassa (1907-1998) and his wife Agnes.