It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Leslie Gunaratne on January 9th, 2021. He was a devoted father, husband, and friend to all whose lives he touched.

Leslie was born in Nawala, Sri Lanka on March 9th, 1936 to Martin and Druci Gunaratne. He attended St. Anthony's College in Wattala where he met his dear late wife Ranee.  The two were inseparable and never spent more than 10 days apart in over 57 years of marriage. With the intention of providing more opportunities for their family, Leslie and Ranee migrated to the United States with their three children, Saman, Sandiya and Ravi in 1968.  They were the first Sri Lankans to settle in Staten Island, NY.

Leslie's passion for helping others motivated him to sponsor numerous family and friends to come to the United States,  thereby creating the thriving Sri Lankan community that still exists in Staten Island. In 1979, when Leslie moved his family to Houston, Texas, it was estimated that most of the 500+ Sri Lankans in Staten Island were connected to him through blood or marriage.

Leslie started his career in the U.S. working on Wall Street as an accountant before joining the banking industry and eventually retiring as a mutual fund accountant with JPMorgan Chase. He found joy in financial investing and closely followed the stock market in his free time.

Leslie traveled all over the world. He liked learning about foreign cultures and meeting new people.  He was fortunate enough to visit over 75 countries during his lifetime. Leslie knew that a good meal brought people together, and he was known for cooking his famous eggrolls and hoppers for his family and friends. He also enjoyed his afternoon scotch and was happy to share a glass with anyone who would join him.

His greatest love was his family, and he instilled in them strong values that have served them well. He would often boast how grateful he was to have known his 5 grandchildren: Shawn, Sheron, Christina, Ravi, and Sandiya, and 8 great-grandchildren: Gavin, Sumer, Ella, Preston, Sterling, Aviana, Samson, and Gemma. They all knew and loved him as "Papa".

Leslie spent his final days in the home of his son Saman and daughter-in-law Sakun where he found comfort and joy in their presence. Leslie will be dearly missed by all and forever in our hearts.

Public Viewing and Private Cremation (January 14th):
The public viewing for Leslie Gunaratne will be held on Thursday, January 14th from 8am to 3pm with traditional Buddhist funeral rites from 10am to 11am (cst). As per his wishes, Leslie will be privately cremated Thursday evening. Please consider making a donation to the Houston Food Bank in lieu of floral arrangements.

Klein Funeral Home - Champions Forest
16131 Champion Forest Drive,
Spring, Texas 77379

Celebration of Life Virtual Session (January 15th):
We invite you to please join us for a Celebration of Life Zoom session on Friday, January 15th at 7pm (cst) where you are encouraged to share a few words or a special story about Leslie.
Click Here for Celebration of Life Zoom Call Session

Buddhist Temple Funeral Service (January 16th):
Our local Buddhist temple, which Leslie dearly loved, has graciously offered to virtually live stream the private Buddhist funeral service and Dana offered for the close family on Saturday, January 16th from 10:45am - 11:45am (cst). Please click the link below and enter the password provided.
Click Here for Temple Funeral Service Virtual Access . Password: hbvihara