Victor Anton Leslie "Jimmy" Obituary (1930 - 2019)

Victor Anton Leslie "Jimmy" born in Grand Rapids in 1930 to proud Lithuanian parents, Victor and Aldonna Leslie. He is survived by his children, Mark Leslie, Mary (Bob Koval) Leslie, and David (Kerrie DeBoer) Leslie, and their mother, Rosemary Drummond; his sister, Suzanne (John) Price of Seattle, WA; nephews, John D. (Margareta) Price and Steven V. (Karin) Price; and great-nephew, Theodore Price. He graduated from Ottawa Hills High School, voted class wit, a mantle he naturally carried throughout his life. After graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in Economics, Victor served two years honorably in the US Army with the 202nd Military Police Company in Salzburg, Austria. Upon discharge, he went to work for Wolverine Carton, and then embarked on a successful career in real estate, resulting in his sales of the Frey Building, the Union Bank building, the Trust building, the BOB, the Oakwood Manor and many other Grand Rapids landmarks. Victor was an avid golfer, with a couple of local championships under his belt. He loved to entertain, and was known for his "spit ball trick" and fabulous sense of humor. He was a passionate cook, from "Vics spaghetti", to wine making, pickling, and of course "Leslie burgers". He took his kids fishing, on picnics, and to the cottage on Lake Michigan. His house was filled with humor, swing music, even disco and cocktail parties. Victor was a generous hearted man who could greet people in nine different languages; including Russian, Bosnian and Farsi. He took deep interest in the world around him, it's politics, it's history, and it's religions. His kids are grateful that he instilled in them, by example, the importance of the social graces, a firm handshake, following your heart, and leaving things better off than you found them. That's what he did, and he will be greatly missed! Per his wishes cremation has taken place and no formal services will be held. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, MI, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care.