Lesley M. Warshaw, Sr. Md

Dr. Lesley Martin “Les” Warshaw passed away peacefully at his home on April 10, 2018, after a short illness. He was 97 years old.

Les was born January 15, 1921, in New York City. He obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin and his medical degree from the New York Medical College where he was a member of its Honor Society. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during WWII obtaining the rank of Captain.

Les served his profession with a passion. He was a diplomat of the American Board of Radiology, a Fellow of the American College of Radiology, a former instructor at Cornell and Tulane Universities, and a visiting clinical Professor at LSU.

Locally, Les was a private practitioner of Radiology, with his longtime partner and friend Dr. Elwyn Cavin, and served as Chief Radiologist for Christus St. Patrick Hospital for 33 years. He was considered by his peers to be “the Father of Modern Radiology in Lake Charles”. He also served as a visiting Radiologist at South Cameron, Oakdale, and Moss Regional hospitals. He represented his profession by holding offices in many medical organizations and served as a member of the National Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society for the state of Louisiana.

Of all of his professional and civic achievements, he was most proud of organizing the Schools of Radiological Technology, first at St. Patrick Hospital and later at McNeese State University. Many of the graduates of these programs are practicing their profession throughout the country today.

In addition to his passion for his profession, Les had a passion for life. He loved classical music, was an avid Ham Radio Operator specializing in Ham Teletype, was an active member of the Lake Charles Country Club where he served as a Board Member, and was an officer in many social organizations. Les was an enthusiastic boater, hunter, and fisherman. The whole family enjoyed the adventure of taking boat trips to many places including the Bahaman Islands. Les was influenced by an old captain’s advice, “Enjoy the coming and the going as well as the being there”. It was a sad day when the last boat was sold – “as no one can afford a boat and three kids in college.”

Les loved playing cards. He got great pleasure in playing bridge at the Bridge Club where he made many dear friends who he enjoyed being with as they brought him so much pleasure. His poker group was a special bunch. Les loved his Poker “Pals”, even though they felt no remorse in taking his money. They were great friends and all looked after Les until the final hand was dealt. For these two groups, the family is truly thankful as they brought so much pleasure to Dad’s life in his later years.

Les is survived by his three children, Cynthia “Cindy” Warshaw Snead and her husband Charlie of Lake Charles, L. M. “Chip” Warshaw, Jr. MD of Alexandria, LA, and James W. “Jamie” Warshaw of Lake Charles; eight grandchildren, Matthew Warshaw, Robert Warshaw, Les Warshaw III, Genevieve Warshaw, Cory Snead, Christopher Warshaw, Jennifer Warshaw Dees, and Michael Warshaw DVM; and three great grandchildren, Hunter Dees, Camille Dees, and Mia Warshaw.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Ann Elizabeth Vogel Warshaw; daughter-in-law Debbie Warshaw; and brother, George Warshaw. All will miss his presence, his wisdom, and his absolutely, wonderful sense of humor.

He had a full life and firmly believed in “To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life.” (By Robert Louis Stevenson)

Visitation will be held from on Friday, April 13, 2018, at Johnson Funeral Home from 4-7:30 PM. There will be a private graveyard service.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Debbie Greenlee, Les’s longtime friend and care giver. Also to Jo Portie, his friend and companion in his special time of need.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic School or a charity of your choice.