LESAR, Joseph

LESAR, Joseph “Joe“ - August 1929 - July, 2012 - With his immense desire to live, Joe reaffirmed in all of us just how precious life is. He battled countless illnesses and defied the odds for years. In fact, he was often referred to as the “Energizer Bunny“. His struggle ended, lovingly cared for by his family and the staff at Pioneer Manor. Joe will be missed and remembered with love by his wife Carole (nee Rumball); daughters Sandra Lynn Lesar (Terry Closs) and Leigh Lesar (Ron Regan); grandchildren Erinn Kosmerly (Jaye) and Jeremy Closs (Meagan Gravelle-O'Byrn) and great- granddaughters Sylkin and Kadyn Kosmerly. He shared a special love with his cousins Gary Silc (Julie), Gloria Aykroyd (Bob), Linda, Paul and Frank Silc and also with his brother-in-law Michael Rumball, his wife Gloria Schwartzentruber, nephew Christian and brother-in-law Richard Rumball (Cate Anderson), nieces Andrea Brown (Guy) and Dana Kirschner (Todd). Joe was born in 1929 in Jurjevica, Slovenia to Jose and Rosalia Lesar and immigrated to Canada at the age of 3. He returned there after the war and made many lifelong friends. His father, a master tailor eventually set up his own men's wear business which Joe entered in 1961. He took over Joe Lesar Men's Wear after his father's death in 1963 and built it into a very successful business of which he was very proud. Before that, Joe worked in construction in Calgary, Edmonton and Sudbury where he was one of the project managers on the original New Sudbury Shopping Centre and the downtown Federal Building (Post office). He also worked on the Consolidated Sudbury Basin at Vermillion River. He loved the construction business, but his love for his father was paramount, and when Joe senior needed help with the business in 1961, Joe changed careers. Joe was very proud of his family and also of his fellow Sudburians. He felt this city produced amazing talent and loved sharing his extensive knowledge about the city and the people. His pride of Slovenia showed in many ways. He and Carole enjoyed their trips to Slovenia, visiting with his family and friends and was so proud to share this with her. He had occasion to communicate with the Slovenian star of the LA Kings, Kopitar. Their recent win and Kopitar's excellent play gave Joe a focus of joy during his illness. Joe loved playing golf and confounded his opponents with miraculous shots when needed, even though he was not a particularly good golfer. But he did excel in curling, his main sporting love, winning many trophies and events and the admiration and respect of fellow curlers. He lived a good life and will be missed. Visitation will be held at the JACKSON and BARNARD FUNERAL HOME, 233 Larch Street on Wednesday, July 25th from 3 to 7pm only. There will be a memorial service in the R.J. Barnard Chapel on Thursday, July 26th at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Lung Association. To light a memorial candle, donations or messages of condolences available on-line atwww.lougheed.org