Obituary of Julius Himer

July 2, 1931 – Keresztespüspöki, Hungary

December 20, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Julius ‘Gyuszi’ Himer of Calgary, AB, passed away on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at the age of 92 years.

Gyuszi was born in Keresztespüspöki, Hungary on July 2, 1931. He grew up in this small town with his five sisters. Tragically he lost both of his parents when he was just twelve years old. Gyuszi had to grow up quickly and take on a lot of the responsibilities of the home and the farm. During the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, he fled Hungary with his cousin. His first stop was a refugee camp in Austria where he met Piroska, who would later, through a twist of fate, become his wife. He did not yet know that they would reunite with each other in Calgary.

Gyuszi came to Canada by boat and then train. He worked for years at CP Rail and Canada Packers. Gyuszi married Piroska in 1957 in the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. They created a very loving home for their two children, James (Imre) and Katalin. The family was very involved in the church and the Hungarian community.

Gyuszi later trained to become a finishing carpenter and built many beautiful homes. He became known as a jack-of-all-trades and there really was nothing that he could not build, fix, or recreate to work properly. Gyuszi was a founding member who built the church and the Hungarian Community Centre. He was always happy to help anyone with anything and had time for everyone. He was resilient, kind, loving, patient, and caring to all. He helped build several Hungarian floats for the Calgary Stampede, but his true passion was leading the sausage-making for the Church bazaar over many years.

Gyuszi loved watching hockey and sports, and loved a good barbecue and dancing. He loved travelling and enjoyed soaking in hot springs, gardening and watching Hungarian TV. Gyuszi remained independent and active, driving himself and others to church, and cooking and cleaning for himself right up until the end.

Gyuszi leaves behind his son, James (Kari), daughter Kati (Bob), grandchildren, Peter, and Ildikó; great-grandchildren, Indra, Chander; also dearly loved Christina, Mark, Keith, and Tina; and his dearest friend Maria. He kept a close connection with his family in Hungary, his nieces, Terike, Marika, and Erzsike; nephew Pista, and all their children.

Gyuszi was predeceased by his wife Piroska, sisters, Erzsébet, Mariska, Ilonka, Margit, Katalin; and his nephew Imre.

He was loved and deeply respected by all his friends he left behind. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal." - Nagyon szeretünk Papa

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church (819 13 Ave SW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall at the Church.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Gyuszi’s family here.

In living memory of Julius Himer, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.