Joseph George Kalmar

Joseph was born in Budapest on April 24, 1932. His father was a machinist and his mother a seamstress. Like many young men of the time he followed in his fathers footsteps and apprenticed as a machinist in a local government factory. In his younger years he was an avid sportsman, playing soccer and rowing on a competitive rowing team.

After the war he was enlisted into the Hungarian army. Upon serving his term, and with the political situation worsening, he, like many other Hungarians, decided to try and make their way to Canada. At great personal risk he took his new wife Elizabeth and his mother in-law Margaret and fled to Genoa. There they boarded a ship to take the arduous 3 week trip to Canada and a better life.

They landed in Halifax with little money and speaking only Hungarian. They boarded a train and with their fellow Hungarians arrived in Vancouver early in January 1957. The Canadian government had already setup sponsor families for them to stay with in the Vancouver area.

Elizabeth gave birth to Marie on October 18th 1957, as Joseph began working for Dominion Construction. He learned English from his coworkers very quickly and eight years later began employment with Ebco Industries in Richmond as a machinist.

It must be said that Joseph was always true to his family. And even with such a challenging start, he was determined to build a new life for himself and his family in their adoptive country, and to provide for their well being and security. Not only did he accomplish this, but he was able through his strength and determination to send his daughter to University and provide for her so that she was able to have the opportunity to become a Registered nurse and achieve a Baccalaureate and ultimately her Masters degree. He was a constant source of support and encouragement for her.

He worked for Ebco Industries for 35 years retiring in 2ooo.

During those years he developed many strong and lasting friendships with his coworkers and fellow new Canadians. One of his passions in life was traveling with his family and friends to many destinations around the world.

Many was the time Elizabeth and Marie would get little or no warning before they found themselves packed, in the car, and heading to some unknown travel spot.

Joseph was a very social person who enjoyed many parties and get-togethers with family and friends. He enjoyed life to the fullest and always put friendship above all else.

His hobbies included golf, which he became fairly good at, as well as enjoying the 19th hole afterwards. Fishing derbies were always a treat with him as his friends and daughter Marie can attest to. No trophies, very few fish, but many, many, laughs and good times.

Thursday nights through the wet Vancouver winter season would find Joe and his buddies playing pool downstairs. I have been told that one friend in particular seemed to have lost on a suspiciously regular basis.

Card night with Susan and Charlie was another way for Joe to socialize and enjoy the company of his friends. Once more, I am told the boys won a suspicious amount of these games.

Another one of Joe’s favorite past times was connecting with friends and family around the world through his computer for early morning chats and video visits. These friends and relatives in the US, Hungary, Canada, Australia as well as many other locations around the world, where a welcome source of news and daily dialogue for him.

One of his proudest days came when he walked his daughter Marie down the aisle for her wedding to George his new son in-law.

He always looked forward to get-togethers with his new extended family and was always a source of vigorous discussion and laughter during these times. A generous man, always with a smile and a helping hand if needed, he always seemed to have the right information you required. Whether it was an electrical wiring diagram explained to install a light fixture, or how to move a hot tub into the backyard without dropping it on your foot. Dad was always there willing to help. Just say the word.

You could almost always find Joe with some sort of dog by his side. Whether it was a Doberman, miniature schnauzer, miniature pincher or a full size Great Dane dad loved his dogs and always has a cookie for them in his pocket. Needless to say, they all loved him too, and surprisingly understood his Hungarian commands as much as English.

He was a wonderful husband and father and we will all miss him very, very much. He will continue to live in our hearts and thoughts for all time.

We miss you Joe.