Zoltan Laszlo Gergely Sr.

A day shy of his 82nd Birthday, peacefully in his sleep, Zoltan (Zoli) Gergely passed away at the Tuxedo Villa Personal Care Home. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Zoltan (Patty), John (Leslie), Nancy (Ken) and Marlo (Thor). He will be sadly missed by his 9 grandchildren, Ryan, Samantha & Evan Gergely, Lauren & Hailey Gergely, Emerson Kollinger, Aaron, Isaac & Kaari Haarstad. He is lovingly remembered by Margit Gergely, Sandra Jeffrey & Evelyn Roy. In Budapest, Hungary he is survived by his brother Ferenc (Ester) Gergely, Sisters Maria Szedres & Gabi (Ferenc) Ligeti. Nephews Christian Gergely, Ákos Ligetti, Niece Viktória Ligeti and great niece Regina Turay. He is predeceased by his parents, Ferenc Gergely Sr., his mother Ilona (nee Futó), and his brother in law Ferenc Szedres.

Zoli was born in Tapolca, Hungary. Growing up we heard stories of the fun times he and his siblings had as kids, exploring the underground cave system that are hidden under the streets and homes in town. He also loved to share stories of youth spent at nearby Lake Balaton. Like many people during the Hungarian Revolution of October 1956, Dad fled his home to begin a new life in Canada. The prospect of a job is what brought him to Winnipeg but his love for his home country never left his heart.

While starting a family and building his career, he still managed to play and excel at competitive sports. In his early 20’s he was Manitoba Table Tennis Champion. Soccer was also a very big part of his life, as a player and coach for the Winnipeg Blues S.C. and coach for the Thistle Soccer Club. Above everything though, Zoli loved to golf. He was happy to share his love for sports and the great outdoors with his children, packing the car or motorhome to take us downhill skiing, snowmobiling, boating, water-skiing, or camping.

Zoli was a classic entrepreneur and started a number of successful manufacturing companies. Of these, Franklin Enterprises was by far the most successful and rewarding venture of his career. Over almost 30 years, Franklin grew to become a premiere, award winning Canadian manufacturing operation with customers throughout North America. His work ethic, passion and sheer determination was greatly respected by both his staff and customers. He was very proud of his company and honoured to work with so many loyal and dedicated people. He was also extremely proud of building the business with sons Zoltan Jr and John and to eventually step back to enjoy retirement.

Zoli loved his winters in Ft. Myers, Florida. They were filled with good friends and plenty of golf. Family gatherings and seeing his grandchildren always brought out the best in him. Many summer Sundays were spent at Nagypapa’s pool, enjoying family and his famous BBQ steak. His incredible generosity, love and kindness touched everyone.

Dad, nagypapa, grandpa, we miss you….we love you.

A heartfelt family thank you to his private care team of Stephanie, Rita, Lisa, Katrina (Kay), Aida and Jinky. We know how much you loved Dad and we know he loved you. You ensured Dad was able to be independent as long as possible. Thank you also to the staff at Tuxedo Villa PCH and everyone on Unit 3 for taking such good care of “Mr G” or “G.G”, and to Dr. Bruce Martin with the WRHA Palliative Care program.

Zoli’s “Celebration of Life” will be held, Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Green Acres Funeral Home, Hwy #1 East at Navin Road, Winnipeg, MB. Visitation will take place from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in his memory to the Manitoba chapters of the Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation, Alzheimer’s Society & The Movement Centre of Manitoba, or a charity of your choice.