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With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Charles Frederick Lester Northeast at home with family in the afternoon of March 30, 2024. Devoted husband and life partner of 38 years to Margaret Wrightson. Loving father of Mandy Northeast and Christian Northeast (Andrea). Proud grandfather of Sebastian, Frances, Camille, and Baelor. Predeceased by his cherished brothers Michael Northeast (Liz) and Anthony Northeast (Eunice). Very special uncle to his nephews and nieces. Loved by many friends and relatives in England and Canada.
Lester lived a courageous and rich life. Born to George and Brenda Northeast in Devizes, England in 1942, he moved to Canada in 1968. His former wife Susan and two young children soon followed after Lester secured a job and apartment in Scarborough, Ontario, and later settling in Newmarket, Ontario. Educated as a Medical Imaging Technologist in Bath, England, he had an admirable career that began at Centenary Hospital, Scarborough and as Technical Director of the x-ray department at Wellesley Hospital, Toronto. Lester then became a successful Accounts Manager for Medical Imaging Equipment with Dupont Canada Medical Division, and subsequently Agfa Healthcare. Lester was highly respected in his field by both colleagues and customers alike.
In later years, Lester met a special lady from rural Manitoba and a true love story began. Lester and Margaret had a remarkable devotion to one another and enjoyed a wonderful life in their century home in Cobourg, Ontario for many years. Lester and Margaret loved to go on picnics and take walks along Cobourg’s waterfront. They travelled extensively together and enjoyed adventures to many destinations including Greece, Portugal, Australia, Florida, the Caribbean, and home to England to visit family.
Lester was an extraordinary man with a quick wit and eccentric style. One glance at Lester’s shoes or jackets would tell you he was a ‘colourful’ individual and it shined through in his personality. With a glint in his eye, Lester was always quick to tell a joke or pull one over on you to get his family laughing. He had a variety of musical tastes and was never far away from breaking into bursts of song. Lester was a member of a Buick club and enjoyed drives in his 1960 Buick Le Sabre, aptly named Marilyn “because of her curves”. Lester loved his children dearly, supporting and guiding them well into their adult years. Whatever the occasion, there was often a card in the mailbox with a note of encouragement or celebration written in his elegant penmanship. Lester was the best Grampy to his four grandchildren, always making times with them special, fun and memorable. He will be missed by his loyal four-legged companion Meisha.
Lester leaves us after a lengthy and brave struggle with dementia. Even as all of those incredible parts of him began to fade, the love for his family never wavered. Lester and Margaret’s devotion to each other remained to his final days, where he was loved and cared for in their home as they both had wanted.
A private family service will be held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Cobourg, Ontario. Cremation to follow. A Celebration of Life to be announced at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre or a charity of your choice is appreciated by the family. Special thanks to Dr. F. Mulé, Palliative Care Physician for his incredible kindness, skill and support, always calling or showing up at just the moment needed. Thanks also to the many PSWs, friends and neighbours who gave endless hours of care and support to both Lester and Margaret
On behalf of the NHH Auxiliary Board and Volunteers, we wish to extend our sincere condolences to Margaret and family on the passing of Lester. Lester was member of the NHH Auxiliary for twelve years. His generous sharing of kindness, humour and dedicated support will be fondly remembered.
Dear Margaret and family, So very sorry to read the news of Lester's passing. We have fond memories from our College Street days of his ready smile and kind hello when our paths would cross under those great maple trees along that fine street! I remember chatting with Lester, too, at NHH, when he was volunteering. Such a long and full life, but never long enough. Thinking of you and yours and sending our deepest sympathy on your loss.
Dear Margaret, We were very sorry to read of Lester's passing. We will remember his visits to the Dutch Oven for coffee and a cinnamon bun. He was a dapper gentleman always ready for a bit of friendly banter. Sincerely, Lauren and Bruce Maclean
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Church of St. Peter
Dear Margaret, I am so so sorry to hear of Lester’s passing. I have such fond memories of the two of you together and Lester’s quick wit and love for life. Sincere condolences to you and the rest of your family. Cherished in our hearts. 💕 Tina
Our sincere condolences to you, Margaret. Ken and Sheila MacDonald
Dear Margaret. We are sorry to hear that Lester passed away. Our condolences to you and Lester's family. Andrew Oliver & Steve Oliver
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
What can I say.???. That hasn't been said already.???. " Charles Frederick " Lester " Northeast ". Well you certainly kept that a secret.???. I should have guest that you would have a Flamboyant Name to go with the Clothes you wore and Not forgetting those Beautiful Shoes.???. We had only a few years getting to know each other. But what a Time and experience that was.???. Especially those years in N.S.B. Florida.???. And for those times Alone, I'll forever be in your Debt. It's been a Privilege just Knowing such a Truly Remarkable Person. To Margaret and All your Family, I send, My Love. And I will be thinking of you all, at this Sad time. R.I.P " Lester ". You Will Be For Ever In My Thoughts. Your Old Mate. Robbie Smith.
Dear Margaret, My deepest symphaty to you and the family on the loss of Lester. He was a wonderful friend and a true gentleman. He was colorful, charming and full of life. I will remember him forever. It was wonderful to know him and work with him for many years. He will be missed.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man and a well lived life. Lester Northeast will continue to shine through his incredible children. Sending my deepest condolences to my Favourite Mandy and the entire family. May Lester now rest in peace and may happier memories eventually replace some of your pain and bring you comfort. In sympathy and love, Jill
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A beautiful tribute for an amazing man. We all have such fond memories. Lots of fantastic times visiting Mum and Dad in Devizes. Also mine and Emma's holiday to your home (27 years ago) where you made us so welcome. Uncle Lester was an amazing person, one in a million and will be sadly missed. Margaret, you did him proud. All our love to you and the family, Wendy and Rob xxx
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
We will certainly miss your visits when you stayed with mum and dad in Devizes. You were always interested in our careers and hobbies even if I didn't ever "buy in" to your prospective businesses but who knows, they may have succeeded. You were always up for a laugh even if you did lead dad astray at the local Black Horse Pub. We will miss seeing you both together, all our love, Bridget and Peter.
Dear Margaret &family So sorry that another good person has left us, uncle Lester has left me memories of my childhood when him and the family used to stay with us in Devizes, some fun times. Remember all the good happy times you had with a very special man , my thoughts are with you all xx
Dear Margaret and family- I am so sorry to hear this news. Lester was a true gentleman, always so charming and with such a quick wit. He will be missed.
My mom first introduced her colleague Lester to me at the old Cobourg Hospital. It was nice to put a face to Lester as she had shared numerous stories (tales) about him. We kept crossing paths and before long I was looking after Lester and Margaret's furry friends whilst they traveled. Such a lovely house they shared on College St. Whenever our paths crossed, most likely, when walking, we would pick up like no time had passed. So sorry to hear of Lester's passing Margaret. May the many beautiful memories you share bring you comfort.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
The above obituary captures Lester very well. Colourful, witty, easy to laugh, integrity, professional, a gentleman, and overall, a very decent human being. It was a pleasure and honour to know Lester in business and as a friend. His loss will be felt by many. Memories of Lester will endure.
Dear Margaret I was so very sorry to hear of Lester’s passing. I met you both at our Minds in Motion times and enjoyed meeting you both. Such a heartfelt tribute to your husband. Sending my condolences to you and your family. Keep your memories and love close to get you through the tough days ahead
We loved Lester, everything about him, his laughter his colours especially his shoes, he had style. He was there for us always until he couldn’t be Rest in peace will shall miss you
Margaret & family, our sincerest condolences on Lester’s passing. May peace be with you. Randy & Maureen Fallis
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to you, Margaret, on the loss of your husband, Lester, of so many years. You and Lester were our very first neighbours when my late husband and I moved to Cobourg and lived just across the lane from you both. - more than 20 years ago. Lester always had a huge smile of welcome on his face whenever we met and gave us much useful advice. I have huge admiration for you looking after Lester with such grace during the years of his dementia. I often saw you walking down the lane with Lester and the dog from my deck. Dilys
Dear Margaret, our deepest condolences. We are thinking of you, big hugs !
I’m so sad to hear this news. What a beautifully written tribute to such a unique and lovable man. Your words truly captured Lester’s lovely essence and brought back many fond memories of my colourful, cheerful neighbour. My heart goes out to you Margaret - his love for you always shone through…..Love Lynda
We enjoyed our time with Lester and Margaret. He was a special person.
Keith and I send our deepest condolences to Margaret and all the family. We shall always remember Lester with his kind words and his love of life. He and Margaret were truly devoted to each other and you could see that every time we saw them together. He will be missed. We send our love, Keith and Donna Wheeldon
Very sorry to hear of your loved ones passing. Cherish the memories,they will help you through the times ahead.
I'm so sorry to hear of Lester's passing. He took piano with me for a while at Clarke's Music back in the 90s. He was an excellent student and we had a great time making music together. My sincere condolences to the family.
Margaret and family, very sorry for your loss.