Bela Karasz

BELA “Bill” KARASZ

(1945 – 2016)

   It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bela Karasz of Blairmore, Alberta, who succumbed to illness at the South Health Campus in Calgary, on February 8, 2016 and was blessed with almost 71 years of life.

   Bela was born in Iszka Szengyorgy, Hungary on February 17, 1945 to proud parents, Laszlo and Irene Karasz.  Their family emigrated from Hungary in December of 1956 to escape the political unrest and mortal danger.  They arrived in Canada in 1957 making a homestead in Iron Spring, Alberta and eventually moving to the Crowsnest Pass in 1960.  Bill was no stranger to hard work and he gained a job in the mines for the next eighteen years. He also served in the Military for a year and later gained employment as a school bus driver and custodian.  His hard work ethic and charismatic character caught the attention of a lovely lady, Judit Erdos, and the happy couple were joined in holy matrimony on June 24, 1970 and further blessed with four children and later a grandchild to spread joy and laughter in their loving home.

   Bill enjoyed gardening, hiking, swimming, puttering around the house, socializing with friends and, most of all, sharing cherished moments with his family (especially his dudes and dudettes).  He was a proud coach for minor hockey, soccer and baseball and involved with the Air Cadets.  He allowed Christ into his life during his later years and was an inspiration and mentor to his family.  A kind and loving gentleman, Bill will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

   Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life include his wife, Judit Karasz (nee: Erdos); his children, Attila (Terry) Szilagyi, Billy (Hope) Karasz and Sylvia (Cameron) Reiter; his grandchildren, Zachary, Crystal, Angel, Billy Jr., Kristian, Bret, Jessilyn, Adrianna, Chandler; his great grand children, Brody Ryan Quinton, Chase Michel Quinton, Jaden James Quinton, Carson Andrew Quinton, Lindsay Maria Quinton; his brothers, Leslie (Linda) Karasz, Joe (Otillia) Karasz, John Karasz, Steve (Margaret) Karasz, Tibor (Mary) Karasz, Atillo (Janet) Karasz; his sisters, Irene Bari, Elizabeth (Ray) Bouillet, Maria Mackenzie; as well as his extended family and the many friends he made throughout his lifetime.

   He was predeceased by his parents, Laszlo and Irene Karasz and his infant daughter, Betty Karasz.

   The Funeral Service will be held at Fantin's Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. with Bela’s son, Billy Karasz and Pastor Al Robinson officiating.  Interment to follow at the Hillcrest Union Cemetery.

Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca. 

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements.

(403) 562-8555

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