Frank Kurucz

West Vancouver lost a true icon on December 5 after a short battle with cancer and a 3 year struggle with Parkinson’s disease. Dad was pre-deceased by his beautiful and loving wife Elizabeth in 2010 and his first son Frank in 2003. He is survived by son Tom Kurucz (Sandy Earle), Grandchildren Ty Kurucz, Taylor Kurucz (Shane McDonald) and Arleigh Kurucz-Garrett (Rich), Great Grandchildren Edith and Ewen, Dana Kurucz, and dear friend Mary Lou Kepkay.Raised in the small town of Sopron, Hungary, Dad excelled at volleyball and running, becoming involved in sports administration with a local soccer team. He was drafted into the Hungarian army, and coordinated volleyball tournaments while receiving more sports administration training. After leaving the army he was offered a job as Athletic Director at Sopron University.

By 1956 a revolution against Soviet occupation was brewing and, being quite involved, Dad and many of his classmates and faculty of the University were forced to flee to neighbouring Austria for their safety. Mom had an hour to pack up and leave with their two year old son Frank Jr. separately, and they were eventually reunited after a few weeks with the help of the Red Cross near Vienna. When the Revolution failed, Mom and Dad could not return home. However during this time the Sopron University Forestry Dept. was reaching out to universities and governments around the world looking for a new home to continue their studies. Eventually the Government of Canada and University of BC accepted the group and after a long voyage by ship and train, about 300 students and faculty arrived in Vancouver. Because Dad worked for Sopron University, he and Mom were part of the group.

Dad landed work at UBC as a soccer and volleyball coach, though he didn’t speak a word of English! He became a very successful volleyball coach winning many titles, co-founded the BC Volleyball Association, and became an accomplished referee. In 1960 he was offered a position as Physical Program Director with the Downtown Vancouver YMCA, later moving to the North Shore Family YMCA as Senior Physical Program Director. After building a reputation in recreation he was hired by the District of West Vancouver as a Recreation Manager, and eventually as the Director of Parks and Recreation, the position he retired from in 1989. He was most proud of building the new West Vancouver Aquatic Centre and Seniors Activity Centre during his tenure.

Dad was one of the most influential voices in West Vancouver when it came to physical activity. He encouraged inactive women to walk and run; he tirelessly worked to develop sports and leadership skills in countless North Shore youth; he created men’s fitness and running programs for Capilano Golf Club; he created the Fit Fellas exercise program at the West Vancouver Recreation Centre, and he co-created the infamous Nomads running group who, under his leadership became a tight knit group of friends who enjoyed practical jokes and weekly breakfast as much as running. Dad lived and breathed exercise, activity, community involvement and leadership, still giving back to the community in his 80’s by leading walking groups and encouraging his neighbours to stay active.

Dad was recognized for his many contributions over the years by receiving the BC Recreation and Parks Association Award of Merit, the West Vancouver Citizen of the Year Award, and the North Shore Sport Award for Community Leadership, to name a few.

Always a good runner, once Dad turned 50 he finished in the top 3 in his age category in virtually every race he competed in, most often finishing first! He was most proud of his 2:51 Vancouver Marathon finish at age 51, which was the best time in Canada that year. He also owns a world record for most miles run in 24 hours by 10 men over age 50, famously doing so at the Lions Society 24 Hour Relay back in the 80’s.

The achievement Dad seemed most proud of however was carrying the Olympic torch into the venue at the West Vancouver Recreation Centre and lighting the Olympic Cauldron. This honour came at the request of the West Vancouver Mayor and Council to recognize his decades of leadership in sports, athletics, and recreation. He made our family extremely proud that evening, and luckily Mom was still with us in February of 2010 to witness this incredible event

Dad was happiest in the company of his family, and he and Mom insisted on seeing Ty and Taylor weekly to establish a connection that held strong to his final days. Dad would take them to favourite spots like the beach or Ambleside Park, and they would stay for dinner and enjoy Mom’s terrific cooking. When young, they often resisted leaving – typically spoiled by their Grandparents.

In addition to family, Mom and Dad also enjoyed traveling to Maui, road trips through BC and the Western States, and many local favourites. They could often be seen strolling the Seawall in West Van when they were not relaxing at their home.

Most recently Dad enjoyed the company of his friend Mary Lou who also lives at Hollyburn House in West Vancouver. They shared some wonderful times in the past year or so, and Dad’s happiness made our family equally happy.

Dad will always be remembered as an ambassador for healthy living, a determined and accomplished runner, leader, and friend to many. And he’ll certainly be remembered for his mischievous ways! In our family, he will be remembered as an amazing man who was quick to smile, used his unique brand of humour to make people feel comfortable, and showed his love to each of us unconditionally. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Rest in peace Nomad

To recognize Dad’s decades of leadership and community involvement, the Frank Kurucz Legacy Fund has been established with the West Vancouver Foundation to support health and wellness initiatives contributing to individual and/or community wellbeing. Please consider a gift to the legacy fund recognizing Dad’s indelible community spirit. Donations can be made at https://westvanfoundation.ca/frank-kurucz-legacy-fund, or by mail - 775 15th Street, West Vancouver, V7T 2S9