Istvan "Steve" Kertesz

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Stephen (Jan) and Debra (Frank); his beloved grandchildren, Spencer and Cameron; his nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law. Steve is now reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife, Rosa (August 2022), and her brothers Kelvin, Harold, and Wahid. He is also reunited with Debra and Frank's beloved dog, Kalani, whom he had a special fondness for and who brought joy to the whole family.

Born in Hungary, Steve emigrated first to England and then to Canada in 1956 at the age of 19. He arrived with very few possessions after escaping his war-torn homeland. Throughout his life he remained fiercely proud of his Hungarian heritage and instilled that pride in his family by teaching them the Hungarian language and sharing the rich culture and traditions of his home country.

Steve met the love of his life, Rosa, at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, where she was an ICU nurse caring for Steve's father. Steve was immediately smitten, and after their first date they were soon inseparable. Their relationship was a remarkable testament to courage and devotion. At a time when interracial couples often faced significant prejudice, Steve and Rosa's love transcended every obstacle. Together, they built a life founded on unwavering commitment, resilience, and the enduring belief that love conquers all.

Steve's greatest joy in life was spending time with Rosa, Stephen, and Debra. Later, as the family expanded, so did his circle of love. Becoming a grandfather brought him immense happiness, and he cherished every moment spent with Spencer and Cameron. His love for his children and grandchildren was boundless.

Known for his extraordinary work ethic, Steve dedicated himself tirelessly to providing for his family. Even after decades of demanding 16-hour workdays, he was never too tired to spend time with those he loved. He will be remembered for his generosity, commitment, and unwavering devotion to his family.

Steve had a wonderful sense of humour, an easy smile, and a joke always at the ready. His smile could light up a room, and his kindness knew no bounds. He taught his children the importance of laughter, never taking themselves too seriously, and finding joy in life's everyday moments. Whether through a warm hug, encouraging words, or a shared laugh, Steve had a gift for making others feel loved and valued.

A lover of nature and the outdoors, Steve enjoyed fishing, camping, and spending time outside. At the family home, he kept a vegetable garden and created a beautiful landscaped sanctuary complete with a koi pond. He and Rosa spent countless hours enjoying coffee outdoors and admiring the beauty they created. Their backyard became a haven for butterflies, birds, rabbits, frogs, and the fish that swam peacefully in the pond — a personal Shangri-La they lovingly built together.

Though it is not easy to put into words what has been lost, Steve's legacy will live on in the values he passed to his family, the laughter they shared together, and the countless memories that will be cherished forever.

Cremation has taken place. Steve's life will be celebrated privately by his family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Steve's memory to the Alzheimers Society of Canada or the Canadian Diabetes Association.