May 15, 2011
Dr. Leslie Laking died peacefully at The Carpenter Hospice, Burlington, on Apr. 16. Laking spent most of his career as director of the Royal Botanical Gardens, retiring in 1981. Upon retirement, he was appointed honorary president of the RBG Auxiliary, and more recently director emeritus of the RBG. He received honorary doctorate degrees from University of Guelph and McMaster University and the Order of Canada in 1979. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Royal Botanical Gardens, on May 17.