Leon Slawinsky

News received yesterday from Terry Haxell - Leon Slawinski crossed the bar last Tuesday morning after being very unwell in a nursing home for several months.
Leon was well known in R.S.L. as ch. Streward / Catering Officer who joined the Company soon after the end of World War 2 and remained until his retirement. Tony Lightfoot.

Sad to hear that Leo had crossed the bar. He was a good friend and shipmate when I sailed with him on the Welsh City in the mid 60’s during the time I was 2nd Mate. That was a great time to be at sea. I have many happy memories of Leo. On one particular day when transiting the Suez Canal southbound I was in conversation with The Polish pilot and discovered that he was from the same town as Leo. The pilot asked if I could bring Leo to the bridge for a chat so at the end of my 12-4 I went straight to Leo’s cabin to pass the message on. At first Leo absolutely refused, telling me that he no longer was able to speak Polish properly as he had been away for 20 years and anyway would have nothing in common with the pilot. However, after much effort I managed to drag him up to the bridge to meet the pilot and left him there. I went back to the bridge about half an hour later and they were both totally engaged in deep conversation. Made my day! R.I.P Leo. Tony Crowther.

Was saddened to hear of the passing of Leo. In my time with RSL, he was a well known and respected Company servant. My records are very poor but I know we sailed together on occasions. Yet another of the "old school" has departed. Consider myself in firing line!!
Rest in peace, Leo. John Cann.

Re John' s message regarding Leon, I also had the pleasure of sailing with Leon several times and got introduced to several Polish Delicacies when storing in the good ole US. John and I sailed with Leo on the SaraLupe in 1976, and had a great trip to South America.
My sympathies to Leon's family and friends.
R.I.P. Leon. John Cullen.

I sailed with Leo on the Welsh City in about 1966 also with Tony Crowther,Tony Lightfoot and Rona
RIP Leon. Peter Bloomfield.

Saddened to hear that another Legend has gone. Sailed with Leon on the NWC in 77 and he was great.
Always remember when swinging on the hook off Porto Cabello, doing a spot of evening fishing with my wife and we were lucky enough to catch a couple of Red Snapper. Not so lucky for the crew Leon appeared, he took the fish instead and went and gutted them and put them on the obligatory BBQ. I have had Red Snapper several times since, but none can compare to those cooked by Leon that night. David Thomson.

It is with deep sadness to learn of Leo's passing, a great ship mate, RIP. Reg Smith.

On behalf of the RSL Forum, and all our members, we send our sincere condolences to Leon's family and friends. RIP Leon. Mike Jones.

It is with fond memories that I remember Leon . I had the priveledge to meet him again at the 2005 Reunion after 35 years.
He did not have a clue who I was but I recognized him straight away, be it a organized event.
We sailed together on the Cardiff City 69-70, my first trip as 2nd Electrician , and Leon was part of a complete change of life style for me, a 20 year old still wet behind the ears. May I also add my tribute to Leon Slawinski. R.I.P. John C. Gardiner Lekie.


December 2016.