Leszek passed away peacefully on Friday September 30th, 2022 in his 102nd year. Leszek was the beloved husband of Anna, “Hania” (Deceased). Loving father of Marysia (James), Elizabeth (Luke) and Andrew (Kelly). Proud “Dziadzius” of Cassandra, Gregory, Richard, Caroline (Joe), Krystina (Devin) and Julian (Ewa) and great-grandfather to Aiden, Veronika, Gemma, Jacob and John. Predeceased by his brother Jerzy (Barbara).

Leszek’s long life was simply extraordinary. As a young man during World War II, he survived the atrocities of the German invasion. During the Russian occupation following the war, he narrowly escaped a Communist Security Police agent’s gunfire by running and slamming a solid wood door shut, thereby avoiding arrest in his childhood home and family store. He was later caught and arrested, but managed to escape from a Warsaw jail by jumping out of a second storey bathroom window. He was left with a large scar on his side from shattered glass.

Leszek and Hania made a harrowing escape from Poland after WWII and made their way to Canada. A bicycle and a camera were their main possessions.

It did not take long for his entrepreneurial spirit to emerge and he establish Art’s Photo Studio on Queen St West in Toronto. For two generations he was the Polish community’s favoured photographer for portraits, weddings, baptisms, community events (including then Cardinal Karol Wojtyla’s visit to Toronto in the 1960’s) and more.

He was the Pilacinski family photographer and movie maker. The family archive rivals that of a Hollywood film studio. He chronicled the family travels all over the world and road trips all over North America in a time prior to air-conditioned vehicles.

His energy was boundless. Leszek always had a project on the go. Initially it was building multi-plex apartments in Toronto and a cottage on Wadsworth Lake, Kaszuby Ontario. Later there were land acquisitions, purchasing and operating West Bay Lodge on Baptiste Lake near Bancroft Ontario and building homes in Etobicoke and Bonita Beach Florida.

These projects and endeavours were always a family affair. Leszek and Hania led the way instilling the benefits of a family work ethic in their children and grandchildren. Working and staying together, preparing all for success as responsible adults and in future jobs/businesses.

Leszek loved the outdoors. Skating, snow skiing, waterskiing, and sailing were all family activities. He enjoyed hunting (in his earlier years), fishing and swimming in his own unique sidestroke.

His “Retirement” years were spent in Toronto, Baptiste Lake and Bonita Beach. One of his favourite sayings to visitors was “You’re Always Welcome”.

Leszek spent most of the last 6 years living with his son and grandsons in a home they built to accommodate his needs. It was known as the bachelor pad. His final few months were at Copernicus Lodge.

Having found freedom in his new country of Canada, he will forever be remembered for his creativity, calm thoughtful wisdom, and his devotion to and love of family and friends. Leszek had a great sense of humour and a twinkle in his eye. He will be deeply missed, but always remembered.

Our family would like to thank our exceptional, loving, and caring team of caregivers; Pamela, Kaye, Cindy and Lorraine. Leszek could not have been in better hands.

Together with Hania, he actively supported the Polish Scouting Association in Ontario. Generations of Girl Guides experienced summer wilderness camping on sites owned by them. For those that wish, donations may be made to:

Polish Scouting Association in Canada (Ontario) Inc.
The donation Unit title, PSA (Ontario) Inc., must be written
in the cheque memo.
Mailed To:
PSA (Ont) Inc., C/O Mateusz Bienczyk, 1342 Meredith Avenue, Mississauga, ON. L5E 2E7
Donations can also be electronically sent to the Treasurer at the following
e-mail: psaontarioinc@gmail.com

A Funeral Mass and a Celebration of life will be held at a future date. Details to follow.

Online condolences may be made through turnerporter.ca