May 2, 1934 - Dec. 29, 2012

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Les after a short illness at Lions Gate Hospital. He now rests peacefully and is finally pain free in the arms of the Lord. He is survived by his loving wife Mary of 29 years, and the three children of his heart, Don Urdea Jr (Karen), Karen Seeley (Bill), Susan Urdea (Don), 15 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Sisters-in-law, Betty Escott, Theresa Biddlecombe, brother-in-law Leo Peters (Aline), and numerous nieces and nephews. Les was born in Budapest, Hungary in 1934 and was orphaned by the age of 10. He was taken in by a farming family until the age of 16, when he returned to Budapest to gain an education and to comply with mandatory military service. In 1956 in order to escape communist rule while a soldier, he made his way to an immigration camp in Italy where he chose immigration to Canada (he said it was because Canada had the shortest lineup). While here he became a member of the Boiler Makers Union and spent a long successful career as a steel fabricator at various shops around the lower mainland. His design and welding skills can be seen the world over. In 1983 he met and married the love of his life Mary, and said that he finally gained the family he had always wanted. He and Mary shared a love of dancing and in a particular ballroom, he gained a reputation as a professional videographer at professional ballroom events in Vancouver and Seattle, which also led to hundreds of weddings and special events. He was also a keen musician who could play numerous instruments and spent hours entertaining all with his beloved electric "church style" organ. "Papa Les" will be deeply missed by his family and friends. A very special thank you to the doctors and nursing staff at Lions Gate and St. Paul's Hospitals who cared for him and commented on his never ending sense of humour through all the pain. We encourage all who knew Les to join family at a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Trinity Parish, 2725 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, on Saturday January 12, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Father James Comey Celebrant. A light luncheon to follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers donations may to Lions Gate or St. Paul's Hospitals in Les's memory would be welcome. To sign the book of condolences, please click on mckenziefuneralservice.com