Dad was born in Ajka, Hungary on May 26, 1935. Like many Hungarians of his generation, dad escaped his native Hungary during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution when the Soviet Union invaded Hungary. He escaped across the border where he spent a year in a Red Cross Camp in Austria waiting to find a future home.
Dad sailed across the Atlantic and landed in Quebec City in 1957. As he brought a skilled trade from Hungary, dad was relocated to Saskatoon Saskatchewan, a city of similar size to his former home. It was in Saskatoon where dad would meet mom, the love of his life. They built a loving home and raised two kids who he was most proud of.
Everything was beautiful to dad. His wife, his son, his daughter, his daughter-in-law, and his grandchildren. He had a beautiful life. He played a huge part in all of their lives attending many swim meets and school functions and providing the foundation for love, encouragement and gratitude.
Dad was married to Pearl Ann Horvath (McKay) on October 10, 1964; they were married 59 years. Our dad loved our mom with all his heart, it was inspirational to watch such commitment and unconditional love for so many years. For over 60 years that they were together, his face would light up every time she walked into the room.
Dad was a pipefitter and plumber by trade. He was proud of his trade and was an original and lifelong member of UA 179 Pipe Trades. Dad enjoyed & loved his garden. Spring was his favorite time of year. He would tell us his garden is where he could talk with his father and recollect memories from back in Hungary.
Dad is survived by his loving wife Pearl Ann, son and daughter-in-law, Michael & Crystal, daughter Michelle, grandchildren, Bailey, Nicholas & Sara, as well as his nieces and nephew in Hungary, and many other family and friends.
Dad is preceded in death by his father Karoly, mother Julianna, a sister & brother in Hungary and firstborn daughter Julia at birth.
In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be given to the Royal University Hospital Foundation Cardiac Cath Lab in memory of Jozef Horvath. The family wishes to thank the nurses at Saskatoon City Hospital Emergency Department and St. Paul’s Hospital Unit 4B & 6 Floor Medicine for the care they provided. We would also like to sincerely thank Dr.Audrey Van Zanten for the care she provided to dad over the years.
Dad has requested no funeral. We will respect his wishes.
Arrangements entrusted to Thea Katchmar
DONATIONS
Royal University Hospital Foundation Cardiac Cath Lab, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0W8
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