Karagianis, Leslie Denis - 74, of Truro, Nova Scotia, formerly of St. John's, NL, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 12, 2011. Born in Victoria, BC, he was the son of Leslie and the late Gladys (nee Harpell) Karagianis. Les received his early education in Victoria and Halifax. Prior to attending university, Les served in the Canadian Navy. He earned B. Comm., B. Ed., M. Ed. degrees from Dalhousie University and an Education Doctorate from the University of Toronto. He taught high school in Victoria before joining the Faculty of Education at Dalhousie. In 1970 Les accepted an associate professor position in the Faculty of Education at Memorial University in St. John's. During his tenure as full professor, he served five years as Dean of Education. His final teaching position was at St. Francis Xavier University. Les was widely published in the field of Special Education and was instrumental in the initiation and support of the Special Ed. internship program at Memorial's satellite campus in Harlow, England. He was highly regarded by his students as a teacher and mentor. When not teaching, Les enjoyed many hobbies including woodworking, reading, fishing, and going to musicals. He was an armchair quarterback for the NFL. He loved spending time at the family cottage in Toney River with his wife, children, grandchildren and many friends and relatives. Predeceased by his daughter Jennifer and mother Gladys, Les is survived by his wife Helen (nee Muir), father Les Sr., children Jamie Karagianis (Bev) and Vicki Power (Gary), grandchildren, Ryan and Jennifer Power, and Heather, David and Andrew Karagianis. Visitation will be at St. Andrew's United Church on Friday, January 14, from 7:00 until 9:00 pm. The funeral will be held at St. Andrew's Church on Saturday, January 15, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada (New Glasgow Branch), Palliative Care at Colchester Regional Hospital, St. Andrew's United Church, the Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation, or the charity of one's choice. The family is grateful for the support of Dr. David Henderson, Dawn Martell RN, and the Palliative Care team; Dr. David Blair for his ongoing care; and the special kindness shown him by the many members of the VON. The family would also like to recognize the teams of Drs. Fallah Maroun and Liam Mulroy whose expertise gave Les an additional 14 years with his family. Photos of Les can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/xyplatypus/sets/72157625782472782/
Arrangements entrusted to Colchester Community Funeral Home, Truro. On-line condolences may be sent to www.colchestercommunity.com