Les Urbankiewicz

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Les Urbankiewicz sadly passed away surrounded by family on 20 September 2022. The fifth of six children, Les was born in Peterborough, Ontario in 1956; completed a Bachelors of Science (Chemistry) from the University of Waterloo and completed his Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 1981. After completing his internship at the Toronto East General Hospital and residency at the University of Toronto, he worked in the Department of Anesthesia at the East General from 1986 to 2019 and served as the Departmental Chief from 1995-2000. While his passion was medicine and serving others, he was also interested in science, astronomy, travelling, music, teaching, and exploring all aspects of nature.


His love for his family was evident in everything he did. Jane, his loving wife and partner of almost 25 years, was his colleague, travel companion and best friend. Father to Gillian Buckley (Adam) and Michael Urbankiewicz (Angela), step-father to Andrew Borden (Lea), John Borden (Ian), and David Borden (Emily) as well as his predeceased step-son James Borden, he was intensely proud of the next generation that would learn and develop from his amazing example. His love for family was shown predominantly in his loving interactions with his nine grandchildren: Siri, Ellie, William, Alastair, Craig, Nate, Hugh, Elise, and Evie. To them, no one could top “grandpa”.


Les was a brilliant, passionate, dedicated, caring individual who had an amazing sense of humour and loved sharing jokes with those around him. Both as a boy and as a man he dreamed of the stars and through his inspiration, always ensured that those he loved reached for theirs. We would also like to thank the amazing Palliative Care team at the Michael Garron Hospital who looked after Les during his last few months. He will be missed by everyone he met.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the following charities would be appreciated:

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada and the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation.



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