elevated hkt4F It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, v. Leslie Majthenyi, peacefully, at home, in his 91st year.  He is survived by his lifelong soulmate, Barbara, his children, Beatrice (Rino), Peter (Tina), and Kinga (d. John), as well as 9 grandchildren, whom he adored.  He is also predeceased by his parents; brother, Istvan; and sister, Elizabeth. 

elevated hkt4F He was a proud Hungarian, a loyal Canadian, and a man of inner strength and steely determination.  He worked hard, overcame challenges with courage and dignity, and set a shining example in everything he did.  Despite being admired for his strong work ethic, he will be remembered most for always putting his family first and providing his children with a solid foundation and wonderful experiences.

elevated hkt4F Leslie was born into a military family in Esztergom, Hungary. His father, v. Istvan Majthenyi and his mother, Erzsebet Lahonyai, were pillars of the community. His father was a war hero from WWI, winning Hungary’s top honour and other military awards of distinction. Following in his father’s footsteps, Leslie also entered the military academy but the war intruded.  After the war years, he attended the Engineering University of Budapest and graduated as a civil engineer in 1954.  Soon after graduation, Leslie met Barbara and they married in 1955.  However, they were soon forced to flee Hungary during the October Revolution of 1956.  During their brief stay in Italy, they welcomed their first child before continuing their journey to Canada with Barbara’s sister, Anna.

elevated hkt4F In Canada, Leslie forged a successful career as a civil engineer.  His first job was with the Department of Highways (DHO, now MTO) in London, Ontario, where they were blessed with two more children.  Leslie was eventually transferred to Chatham, Ontario, where he decided to settle his family and started his own construction company, Maylez Construction.  After his children were grown, he closed his business and moved to Alberta to work with the Ministry of Transportation in Vermilion.  However, yearning to be closer to their children and grandchildren, he and Barbara eventually moved to Toronto where his first project was to oversee the construction of the landmark Spadina Avenue Bridge to accommodate the new Sky Dome.   After that, he joined Chisholm, Fleming and Associates, Consulting Engineers, and continued to work until the ripe old age of 81. 

elevated hkt4F Aside from his passion for engineering, in 1996, Leslie proudly became a member of the Knighthood of Hungary, as his father had in 1922. He was later appointed Captain of the Canadian branch of the Knightly Order of Vitez.  He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Rakoczi Foundation for over 15 years.

elevated hkt4F Leslie will be lovingly remembered as a true gentleman, who enjoyed a good cigar and a brandy.  Among fond memories are ski trips with family and friends, and visits to relatives in Hungary.  The memory of his kind eyes, lovely smile, and dignified demeanour will always be treasured and remembered by everyone.   A private funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church.  In remembrance, the family would appreciate donations to St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish or the Rakoczi Foundation.