sending love and light as well as continued prayers for Ellen and family.  Wishing you the best.

Dear Ellen, I was saddened to hear that Charles, your husband of 41 years, passed away. Please accept my sincere sympathies. 

I never met Charles, but anyone married to Ellen must be marvellous.  Ellen - my thoughts are with you and your family.

Such sadness. I met Charles in a writing class, and then in another writing class. He was truly a gentleman of great dignity, carrying sorrow in his heart. I am so glad he finished his book, and look forward to reading the whole story, pieces of which he shared in our writing group.
It was always a delight to see Charles; his smile was infectious and his sense of humour peeked through at odd moments. We will all miss him. My condolences to his loved ones.

Karcsi and I have met about 10 years ago, when a mutual friend introduced us, also Hungarian, as compatriots and potential XC skiing partners. Indeed, we enjoyed some snow and sun, mainly on the Derrick golf course. Even went to Kananaskis for a few days. But then it turned out that Karcsi was a pretty good tennis player, so during summers we got together a few times to hit balls on the court. He was well above me in this, but he was patient, even gave me some tips. He was also most helpful with any of my computer problems, that we usually  followed up with a beer or two and reminisced about the past, especially Hungary and our escape west. At times we ventured onto current topics, like social issues and Climate change. His formative years in Argentina left their mark, a left leaning  Peron influence. Even if we disagreed sometimes, it did not effect our friendship.
Last December Karcsi, Ellen, I and a friend had a couple of enjoyable weeks in Cuba. He already underwent  a series of treatments, but he was well enough to travel and even play tennis in the mornings.
All in all, Karcsi had a most interesting life, as one may also gather from the other comments here. A helpful, generous , loyal and upbeat friend, I will miss him. I was lucky to know him. Rest in piece Karcsi.
Imre (Emry) Bella


Just viewed Charles´ Celebration of Life ceremony via Livestream.

Wow! That was lovely!

I didn't expect Ellen to speak, but I thought she was very brave to do so and to tell us more about K's life and history. He sure didn't like to talk about it himself! Anyway, I'd love a copy of the book please!

To Jen Peebles: You read that excerpt from "The Turning Point" so well! Thank you! (Great title by the way!)

To Seb: I can see you following in your Dad´s footsteps! And however big his shoes were, I am really confident that you will fill them well.

To Jen: You sang bravely and beautifully. I looked up the song on YouTube afterwards “I dreamed a dream” and realized it was from “Les Miserables” I hadn’t heard it before. Really pulls at one’s heartstrings!

To all the friends and neighbours who stood up at the podium and said their piece, thank you too!

To the family: Thank you for organizing the livestream so we could watch from afar and say our goodbye's too.
At first, I wasn’t sure what the last music K asked you to play for him was, but I took a guess and I got it right! Carmina Burana by Carl Orff. I haven’t listened to it for years, but doing so now (chose a version with both latin and english lyrics). Very much worth it!  I still remember E and K listening to it in Argentina before they were married!  

Hope you can all rest up a bit in the coming days. Love to you all.


Dear Ellen, Sebastian, Jen, Peebles and BJ


It’s hard to find words that really express our sadness caused by Karcsi’s death.

We have only good and funny memories about the time we spent together either in Italy with all of our kids or several times in Hungary.

We all stand by you and share the grief - even if we can only do it from Hungary.

He will always remain happy and cheerful in our memories. 

Öcsi we will miss you.


NagyKlári, Klári, Gábor and family


Dear Ellen,
      My most sincere condolences with the passing of Charles and your great loss.  It has been an honour and a pleasure that you and Charles extended  your  hospitality and friendship to me.  I am so thankful for the lovely dinner we had at the Derek in December where I got a chance to give him a hug.
     I would like to offer my condolences to Sebastian and Jennifer on the loss of their father and especially to the grandchildren.
     You are always in my heart, mind and memories.  
Sincerely
Beth
 I will let Raul know as I know he will want to send his own message.




Always with a kind word as he came daily to  the Derrick Club to work out. Strong in mind and soul. 
My condolences to  his family.

We met Charles in a writing class at ELLA, a kind and gentle soul with an inspiring story of courage.  I so appreciated his kindness to the group.

I will always love this photo, cause this is (almost) where an incredible adventure began for both Ellen and Karcsi.  It is one of their wedding photos. They are looking into each other's eyes, very much "in love". It was December 31st, a few years after they met at "Cariño Botao" nightclub in Villa Gesell. Ellen said K looked like an "overgrown schoolboy". I wonder what he thought of her? Since that meeting K became known as "The Count" in our family due to him being of Hungarian birth. They started their courtship by rowing often in the Tigre Delta. Soon after they left together for Canada. K´s idea. Their first years must have been a struggle with E trying to study for her Canadian Medical Exams and living in a small rented appartment with rented furniture. Little did they know they would have two lovely children, Sebastian Alexander Albert and Jeniffer Anne, move into a gorgeous  house of their own in a lovely neighbourhood, make tons of friends, travel the globe from Cuba to Macchu Picchu to London and Venice and even China, to mention a few. Their relationship was always supportive of each other, they became partners in sport, travel and crime! Yes, sometimes they fought, but that was just their way. And I can still hear K's voice telling E "Oh, give me a break!". 41 years of marriage is not to be taken lightly. Little did they know what awaited them the day this photo was taken. E worked with the Indigenous Tribes in Northern Alberta. Home was always open to visitors who stayed with them for months at a time. Neighbours became their friends. They came back to Argentina numerous times.  I find it hard to imagine them apart. Their children are now happily married and have a wonderful example to follow. Their grandchildren Evie and Vera (Jen´s and BJ's) and Hazel (Seb and Peeble's) are delightful and will surely take after their health nutty grandparents. Jen and Seb are very close siblings. So, it can all be summed up in one word. Family. K. you will be missed.

I love this photo!, Ecstasy after the climbing up to Machu Picchu, highlight of one of the latest trips to South America I was so lucky to get to share with my sister Ellen and Karcsi, (as we know him in Argentina).
He held up this spirit to the end, with a scientific interest and avid for exploring, as well as enjoying life as much as possible. 
Thank you for sharing your life with my sister all these years!

Dear Ellen, Sebastian, Jen,  Peebles and BJ, it was with great sadness and dismay that I read of Charles's death in this morning's Edmonton Journal.  When Ann Dawrant phoned me,  I was grateful to be able to share fond memories of Charles as well as the sorrow of realizing that we shall not see his like again.  As we Ukrainians say: Vichnaia Pamiat Eternal Memory.  Myrna

I first met Charles while playing tennis at the Saville Centre and always enjoyed playing tennis with him.  I was very sorry to hear of his passing.  Please accept my condolences.

Charles was a kind and brave man who adored his family and Canada. I am privileged to have known him as a friend and will never forget him. Remembering many happy times with him and the family. My love to you all.  Linda Alvis x

It was a pleasure knowing Charles as both a tennis player and a friend for many years. He was a kind hearted and generous soul. Our sincerest condolences to Ellen and his entire family.

OBITUARY

Charles Toth

7 February, 1943 – 7 August, 2020

Hainstock's Funeral Home & Crematorium

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services