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Leslie Norman Heikkila

REDFORD TOWNSHIP – Leslie Norman Heikkila of Redford Twp., passed away on Thursday, November 3, 2016, at the Heartland Health Care Center in Ann Arbor, after a brave battle with cancer.

He was born on February 5, 1935, in Nisula to Michael and Hilda (Kiviranta) Heikkila.

He was baptized and confirmed in the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church, Suomi Synod. He attended Bible Camp for many summers and was profoundly influenced by the experience.

He attended Nisula and Alston Schools and Augustana Academy in Canton, South Dakota.

He was a third-generation Finnish-American, an avid Fennophile and visited Finland numerous times.

Leslie served in the National Guard for one and a half years and then in the U.S. Army for three years, being stationed in Puerto Rico and also Panama. After an honorable discharge, he resided in the Detroit area for the remainder of his life.

He married Audrey (Sakkinen) Lamorand Svajian in 1988.

Leslie was involved in stock car racing, first as a mechanic and then as a driver. He was named “Rookie of the Year” in 1967 in Owosso. After winning several races, he was elected to Michigan’s Racing Hall of Fame in 1968. His most coveted trophy was the Sporstman of the Year Award for 1969, from Toledo and Flat Rock tracks. In Auburn, he was chosen Best Liked Driver of the Year.

Leslie is survived by four children, Donald, Cheryl Barry, Michael and Becky (Tim) Welford; ten grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lillian (Paul) Lehto and Alice (Eldon) Kinnunen; one brother, Arnold (Peggy) Heikkila; several nieces, nephews and numerous cousins, both in Finland and the United States.

Leslie was predeceased in death by his parents; his wife, Audrey; his son, Warren (Colleen); and three brothers, Carl Albert, Kenneth Michael and Wilbert Melvin.

Funeral services were Saturday, November 5, 2016, at Charles Step Funeral Home in Redford. Cremation will take place according to the wishes of the deceased and his memorial stone will be in the Nisula cemetery.

Condolences may be made at CharlesStepFuneralHome.com.