– Les Safranyik –
– Pioneering Mountain Pine Beetle Expert
– (February 13, 1938 – November 11, 2025)
Dr. Les Safranyik passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, at the age of 87. Victoria and the Canadian forestry community are in mourning. A wonderful life that started in rural Hungary and had a lasting impact on forest research came to an end when the loving husband, father, grandpa, and world-renowned entomologist passed away at home.
Les was born on February 13, 1938, close to Szolnok, Hungary. During the 1956 Revolution, he emigrated with his family and joined the renowned Sopron Group, a group of 200 forestry professors and students that relocated to the University of British Columbia. He began a long 35-year career with the Canadian Forest Service at the Pacific Forestry Centre in Victoria after earning his BScF and PhD there.
Les became the global authority on the mountain pine beetle, publishing over 150 scientific papers and leading research that shaped billions of dollars in forest management decisions across western North America. Quietly spoken but fiercely dedicated, he mentored generations of scientists while never losing his gentle Hungarian accent or his love for teaching.
Les was just the center of his family at home. He and his spouse, Elizabeth, commemorated 58 years of marriage based on respect for one another, laughing, and Sunday dinners that were always open to one more. He was the devoted grandfather, known as “Nagypapa,” of Max, Grace, Alex, Julien, Jack, and Natalie.
They knew him for his unending patience, handmade palacsinta, and tales of living beneath the stars in ancient Hungary. He was also the proud father of Elizabeth (Justin) and Laszlo (Gina).
Les loved classical music, woodworking in his garage, and long walks along Dallas Road with Elizabeth and their dog. Even in retirement he kept reading research papers and answering questions from former colleagues around the world.
Victoria has lost a gentle giant of science and family. Dr. Les Safranyik leaves behind a forest service forever changed by his work, a family forever wrapped in his love, and a community forever grateful for the quiet Hungarian boy who grew up to help save Canada’s trees.
St. Joseph the Worker Parish, located at 753 Burnside Road West, Victoria, will have a Celebration of Life on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Come share recollections of the man whose life was as resilient and long-lasting as the trees he defended with everyone who knew him.