The last of the original Sopron-Vancouver Forestry Professors went to the great forest in the sky early Easter morning at the tender age of 98.
Born in the forest of the Eszterhá zy Castle in Hungary, Lá szló hailed from a long line of foresters. His father, József, was the official Forester & Gameskeeper for the Eszterhá zy's. Growing up in this beautiful setting is where Lá szló developed his deep love and appreciation of nature. He later studied and became the youngest Professor of Forest Engineering at the University of Sopron. In 1949 he married the beautiful Ilona Schwertner and they soon had 4 children. In 1956, László and his family, along with the entire Forestry Faculty and student body, escaped during the Hungarian Revolution. Thanks to the Canadian Government, they were welcomed as refugees into the UBC Forestry Department which transformed forestry practices in British Columbia. His adventurous spirit and love of all cultures also took him to Universities in Malaysia and Tanzania where he was able to share his vast knowledge and expertise.
Lá szló was predeceased by his eldest daughter Eva Julia in '89, siblings Rezso, Panni and Manci (who selflessly followed them to Canada to help mom raise their 6 children), and nephews Peps and Laci. He is survived by his devoted wife Ilona, children Andrea, Marta, Leslie, Rita and Peter (Jill), grandchildren, Kati (Jon), Juliska (Paul), Marti (Derek) and Daniel Princz; Dane (Mandy) and Byron Szohner (Nadine); Stephanie (Scott) and Holly Perkins; Gina Lee Gatto (Drew); Kayla (Dan), Paige and Joelle Adamovich; 7 great-grandchildren and many relatives in Hungary, Austria, Australia and Holland.
Papa was a unique individual, loved by all. He was an avid gardener, local mushroom expert, thief of fruits and flowers down the lane, had a sarcastic sense of humour, and spoke his mind! He will be remembered for his love of poetry, devotion to the Canucks, mystery rides, frequent shopping trips for "zöld tojás" (exotic treats), his endless generosity and last, but certainly not least, his love of good food and wine!
A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, May 16, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Hungary Church, 1810 East 7th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5N 1S2. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to the church would gratefully be accepted.
The Adamovich family would like to thank the staff of Purdy 2, UBC, for taking such wonderful care of "The Professor" for so many years, and prior to that Dr. Nicola "Nicky" James and Papa's "girls" at West 10th Medical.
There will be a Celebration of Life at UBC Faculty Club in the future.