Leslie Holash

Leslie “Les” Holash passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of December 8, 2025, at Saint Ann’s Long-Term Care Home, at the age of 79.

Les was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary Holash. Les shared an enduring and devoted partnership with his wife, Linda, for 58 years—a bond marked by love and a genuine kindness toward one another. He will be lovingly remembered by Linda; by Eleanor and Bill Edwards; Anita and Les Bitz; Fay and Merv Ozarko; and by their families, all of whom were deeply enriched by his presence in their lives.

Born at St. Paul’s Hospital, Les enjoyed a happy childhood in Saskatoon’s Pleasant Hill area. He attended Pleasant Hill Elementary School and later Bedford and Mount Royal High Schools, where his natural athletic ability and leadership qualities began to shine. An outstanding athlete, Les played with the Wesley’s Hockey Team, which earned the Saskatchewan Amateur Hockey Award from 1960 to 1965. He also received the Hilltops Grad Award in 1963 and excelled in track and field, carrying a lifelong love of sport and teamwork.

Les and Linda married young and built their life together through shared determination—taking turns working while each pursued education degrees at the University of Saskatchewan. Les devoted 30 years to teaching with the Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Division, serving students at St. James, Bishop Murray, Bishop Klein, and Father Vachon schools. He was a dedicated teacher and coach for a variety of sports.

Well known and widely respected in the Saskatoon community, Les coached Peewee Hockey in the late 1960s. Several of those young players—Fred, Cameron, and Daryl—remained part of Les and Linda’s extended family throughout their lives. Every Sunday for decades, Fred would call Les and talk about whatever sport was in season. A testament to the deep and lasting relationships he formed.

Les convinced Linda to take a leap of faith and purchase 40 acres of pastureland near Vanscoy, where together they built a home, planted trees for 30 years and always had two Dobermans to share the property. The acreage became their sanctuary—a place of quiet, joy, and pride. where they resided for 42 years.

As Les’s Parkinson’s disease progressed, he and Linda moved eight years ago to a condominium near the river, where they cherished daily walks along the Meewasin Trail. Les participated enthusiastically in the Parkinson’s program at the Field House until a fall at home in 2020 necessitated a move to Saint Ann’s Long-Term Care Home. There, Les remained active in his power chair, sharp of mind, and developed many caring relationships at St. Ann’s.

Les will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He now rejoins his lifelong friends, Keith, Charlotte and Elaine, with whom he shared many treasured memories.

A service will not be held and Les will be laid to rest privately.