I learned Judo from Joe in the late 70s Joe was a father to all his students and a friend.He took us to tournaments and always had time for us. I miss him very much and can never forget him. He's sadly missed buy many many people

I was his student at the YMCA in Cambridge ont he was a kind loving man caring for his students .I have gained a martial arts degree because of his knowledge .Hisham Shurbaji  I'm doing well and I have a cat thanking him for teaching us to be men

I am so sorry to hear about Joe's passing.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Joe was an instructor, a mentor and a pillar within Judo.
Wishing you peace as you grieve for Joe.

I loved him just like a father he will always be in my heart

Sorry to hear of the passing of Joe, he was my first Judo instructor back in 1973-75 Joe took all his students back in the day to all the tournaments throughout Ontario. He will always be a part of my childhood memories. My condolences to family and friends with you're loss RIP Joe

Dear Sarah and Joey,
My heart goes out to you for your loss and pray you will be comforted by the One who is the God of all comfort. I know there were times after my dad's passing that I unexpectedly cried. I hope the messages you receive from others about your dad will help you as you grieve and miss him. He instructed both my brother and I in judo and I would say he never played favorites. He challenged everyone to work hard. And yes, he had that unforgettable laugh and smile. He touched many lives. You are in our prayers.
Tammy(Law)Toth

To Joe and Sarah... Your Dad was such a good man. He was more than a Sensi to his judokas. Many of his kids are now adults and remember your Dad as a father-type figure who disciplined them when they needed it, especially when they became teens, and they knew it was because he cared about them. They are grieving along side of you for your Dad and their Sensi. They all loved him and their hearts are heavy at this news. My son and daughter lost their Dad late 2009 and Joe, Sensi McDowel, and Mike Pierce all came to his funeral in support of their former judoka kids. I thank God that your Dad played an important part in their lives. We know your grief is heavy and want you to know that many of his former judokas are grieving with you as well as for you.
 
You both, as well as your families will be in our prayers.

Annie Law, Mom of Jeff and Tamara (Law) Toth.

Sensei Varga was a pillar of my childhood as my brother and I spent many hours on the judo mats first in the basement and then in the squash court of the first and second Cambridge YMCAs. As a teacher he was kind yet demanding.  As a person he was warm and always seemed to smile.  Memories of him telling me to work harder still push me today and I will be forever indebted to him. To his family, my sincere condolences.  To Sensei, the most heart-felt thank-you.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you Sarah and Joey. We knew Joe thru our mutual love of Ballroom Dancing and often talked at competitions about dancing and of course his love for his Volvo. He will be missed.

Henry and Diane List Cambridge

Lee and I and our daughters Tania and Tara will miss Joe - deeply.
Our memories are many, all good .  We have been friends for half a century.
I joined his judo club in 1965 and we both instructed at the Y.
Joe visited us no matter where we were. He even came to Switzerland and finally found us in a campground in Italy.
Joe was a solid man - strong-willed, forthright, outspoken, but a true loving dependable friend.  We will miss your gruff voice, engaging smile and caring hugs.
Marcel & Lilian (Lee) Trost

Thinking of You Sarah and Joey, May you find comfort in loving memories of your father. Your family is in our Prayers.

Joe's smile is an image one can not forget.  Prayers to all Joe's family as he rests in peace.

I knew Joe through Judo since the early 70's when we refereed together at many tournaments and enjoyed some fun times.  He had great passion for the sport of judo.   Our deepest condolences to the family and we share in your loss.

To Joey & Sarah sending prayers and hugs to comfort you as you journey through this difficult time . The Kearleys

"It's Judo teachers like Joe who had become strong pillars for Judo in the Golden triangle of KW-Guelph-Cambridge helping to produce more National and Pan-Am champs than any other area in Canada during our best period in the past.    Joe's warm re-assuring Hungarian charm never failed on his youthful judokas as well as on us colleagues.        Joe taught us that Judo is for people and not people for Judo".         

John Hatashita

Rest In Peace Joe. You will always be remembered as a truly amazing person.  We would like to send our condolences to Sarah and Joe.

I have known Joe since the late 1960's through Judo. We at the Kaizen Judo & Fitness wish to extend our condolences to Joe's family and to his extended family in Hungary.

I knew Joe since my very early days in judo in K-W and he was always a delight to be around. I will always remember him fondly. RIP, Joe.

Sarah and Joey, your dad was a great inspiration to hundreds of kids, big and small, over the years that he ran the Cambridge YMCA Judo club. He was my sensei and good friend. I'll remember his infectious echoing belly laugh, his smile, his dedication and the utmost respect that he garnered from all of the judokas he touched.

Sarah and Joey, thinking of you during this difficult time and prayers to you for strength....your Dad was a wonderful man and always knew he danced but never knew about the black belt...how impressive...such a fine man he was.....he will always watch over you and be with you always........Gloria and Tom

Sarah and Joey I'm sending my love and prayers at this time of need. I know that your father loved you so much and that he will still watch over you.

We at Cambridge and North Dumfries Hydro Inc. wish to extend our condolences to your family.  Joe was a valued member of the Cambridge Team and stayed in contact through his Retirement.

OBITUARY

Joseph Louis Varga

February 16, 1935 – June 2, 2014

Coutts Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

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