So sorry for the loss of both Joe and Helen. I am currently near Calgary and thought perhaps I'd stop in to see Joe only to discover he'd passed. My parents (Joe Labuda, passed in 2006, and Betty Labuda, passed in 2024) thought the world of Joe and Helen. I recall times spent as a child visiting the Lukacs family with fondness. Joe also encouraged me significantly regarding my career when I vacationed with my parents, and Joe and Helen in the 90s in Maui. Helen's passion for papaya and yogurt, and Joe's laughter remain with me today. Such beautiful people.

Peggy Lucci (nee Labuda)

We were very sad to hear that Joe had passed away.

Initially at Western Research and then in the 30+ years since then,Joe was there for advice, support and friendship.

He was there when we launched our business in 2000, but more importantly,

it was his relationship with our family that we treasured.

Whether it was Joe inviting my daughter to Richard’s first Vancouver opening, or the various projects (Joe’s) at “the ranch”, practising amateur fly fishing at the pond or just going there to take in the scenery. Often, we would meet at the ranch or he was already there, doing his best thinking on the tractor, and we would catch up.

He was deeply respected and my family has great affection for him.

We will miss him.

Our sincere condolences to Zoltan, Joe and Richard and their families.

Bob and Elizabeth Corbet and Family

I had the pleasure of knowing Joe from the time he landed in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta. He was fresh out of Hungary which is life's story in itself. Where Joe and I and really connected was when he created Western Research and Development. I was the contact person with Bow Valley Industries, the corporate owner. Joe was creative in his business and personal relations. It was the most enjoyable and worthwhile initiative of my business career. Thanks Joe so much. We had great times together and I benefited so much them

Sincerely

Don Thurston

To Zoltan, and all in the family:

Hi Zoltan. I had the great priviledge to work with Joe for several years at CETAC. He was inspirational to say the least. He had enthusiasm and creativity that made working with him a great experience, and I believe this was what made so many initiatives successful. He was a great mentor to many engineers and entrepreneurs who continue to work with a little bit that rubbed off from Joe. I am sure you are very proud, as you should be, of all he has accomplished and his part as one of the industry pioneers in Alberta.

I met Joe in the steam shower at the Glen Co Club in Calgary.

Being from a Hungarian background, I instantly recognized his accent, which preluded a 15 minute conversation of colossal significance in my life. He talked of Hungary, his beautiful wife and family, and how despite entering a surgery in the next 5 days with a terrifyingly high rate of mortality, he feared not, as the life he lived was true. “I drive my tractor, I love my family, I love it here” he said.

Conversations to follow this one were just as important in my life. He was a guiding voice, and a prime representation of a gentleman.

Nyugodj békében, Joe.

I am deeply saddened to hear of Joe's passing. I met Joe 11 years ago through TCB while attending Cetac meetings. I grew to absolutely adore him. I never really understood why Joe included me in the Cetac group. I always wondered what he saw in me as I am not innovative or creative nor do I have a fabulous master plan of how to solve environmental problems or address climate change. I am merely a number cruncher, yet he always included me and was happy to have me attend the workshop, innovator circles and other Cetac events. I learned so much from Joe, on both a professional and personal level. I will FOREVER be grateful to have known him and I will never, ever forget him. He made as big an impression on me as many of family members. He always had a few minutes to sit and talk to me one on one and give his wisdoms and reassurance. When I started my own business two years ago, he was there for me to offer advise and expertise. He read the situation like a book and immediately knew what my risk factors were, recognizing month before I did. I love you, Joe and happy you are with your beautiful wife again in heaven.

Sincerely,

Nancy Lassiter

My deepest condolences to Joe's family. I met Joe for his last birthday and it will always have a special place in my heart. Playing horseshoes for the first time, riding in a helicopter, laughing it up with friends, and the beautiful landscape. I still have a bottle of Hungarian champagne he gave us for placing in horseshoes.

I could tell from that one encounter Joe was a special person and had a knack for bringing people together from many walks of life. Everyone I asked how they knew Joe had an incredible story of deep and abiding friendship, which is a testament to his character.

If we get to live a fraction of the life Joe did, we're lucky people. He was truly something special. Rest well Joe

I was privileged to get to know Joe in his later years but very much wish I had the opportunity to meet him and his family earlier. From what I now know, he was an extraordinary man with great love for learning, family, agriculture, business and so much more and gave to his community with an open heart. Wishing his sons and their family's peace and some solace knowing he was respected and appreciated by many, including myself.

Joe was a very special person in the lives of many people including myself. It was an honour to be part of his circle both in business and personally. He was a dear friend and will be very missed. My condolences to his family.

I was lucky enough to work for CETAC-West and Joe for a number of years providing graphic design and production for a number of projects. Joe was particular about what he wanted in terms of image (with all he had to deal with, I don't know where he found the time!)...but I knew his ideas were well thought out - and in the end - the right choice. I spoke to him after Helen's passing and he wasn't feeling himself which I believed was normal after losing your spouse of more than 50 years. He carried on and maintained his focus on helping entrepreneurs in their endeavours. He will be missed by so many.

"He was a man , take him for all in all , I shall not look upon his like again".

Joe was charismatic, had a gift for the long view , insightful, and very generous. He treated his clients and employees as family.

He did not suffer fools.

Joe brought me to Calgary 52 years ago. He encouraged me in the taking of risks and always gave me his support.

He was a great mentor and a wonderful friend. I will miss him.

Douglas Leahey

I came as an international student to Canada .CETAC West was my first professional job in Canada. Joe was an excellent mentor who shaped my career to become what I am today. He was kind and thoughtful who could foresee future so well. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Losing a mentor and entrepreneur like him is a huge loss for the entire community.

An amazing man that leaves a legacy that will last for many generations.

So sorry to hear … my sincere condolences to all the family.

Our sincere condolences to the Lukacs family as we remember the many great experiences with Joe Lukacs. It was a pleasure to work at Western Research where a culture of innovation, focus on customer problem solving and forward thinking were the norm. It was hard to do the same thing twice due to changing customer needs and changing ways to solve problems. Great memories. Joe will be sincerely missed.

Joe was my mentor for 45 years from when he hired me in 1979. His passion for educating the industry through what came to be our internationally recognised Sulphur Seminars was what motivated me. An industry leader in every sense but also a benevolent father-figure, he was indeed my friend.

We were closely associated in our engineering business through all those years and in the latter times he was Chairman of my Board at Sulphur Experts, an off-shoot and successor of Joe’s original “pollution company” Western Research.

But more than just business, Joe took me under his wing and guided me in my career through good and bad. I am honoured that he (and Helen) counted me as one of his “sons”. A real personal loss.

Zoli, Rick Joe, Grandchildren

Your Father / Grandfather was an exceptional and gifted person in so many ways.

He had an amazing capacity for and took such joy in the success of others. He designed career paths, arranged mentorships and launched so many people onto successful careers. Truly a most intellectually generous individual. I am but one example and very grateful for everything that he did for me.

He will be missed by so many, especially by those of you who loved him so much.

With gratitude and Love,

Randy Hauer and Laura Scott

It is with profound sadness and a personal sense of loss to learn of Joe’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in these difficult days. I hope that the many amazing memories of Joe’s life bring some comfort and some smiles amid the tears.

Joe was a remarkable human being whose commitment to family and passion for making the world a better place were hallmarks of his life.

I was privileged to “work” for Joe for more than 20 years as a member of the CETAC Board. As the board chair for many of those years Joe and I spoke and/or met pretty much every week. Joe’s vision for what CETAC could do to support the environmental industry in Canada never changed or wavered over the years. Joe’s passion, persistence and dedication defined CETAC and inspired everyone who was privileged to know him. Joe was a mentor to hundreds of people over the years, me included. He taught us all the value believing in your cause and never giving up on your vision. He always found the best in people and always looked for a positive path forward. Most of all Joe was my friend!

I am very sad that I cannot join to the service to honour Joe’s life in person. I will certainly be there in spirit with all who mourn Joe’s passing and celebrate his life.

Rest well my friend. Your work is done and your legacy will live on.

Ron Woodward, Parksville, BC

Dear Zoli, Rick, Joe and your families,

We were so sorry to hear that Joe had died. We are thinking of you all at this time.

Joe and Helen were such good neighbours for so long. We will miss them dearly, but keep the great memories of conversations held across the fence, in the laneway or beside the house.

With warm regards,

Jonathan and Laura Lytton

Zoltan, so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing; he was kind and generous man. We fondly remember our group of high school friends spending many hours in your parent’s home and enjoying your parent’s hospitality! Our sincere condolences. Mike and Shelley Shea

To the family of Joe, I want to extend my deepest sympathy. Joe was my boss and a wonderful mentor when I worked with him at Western Research. Joe was a special man who I admired greatly. I had a terrific hour-long phone call with him not too long ago and we relived some great memories of working together. I am sure he will be missed by many, but he certainly left his mark on our world, in the best possible way. With condolences, Roxanna Mandryk

Joe was one of the best mentors I have ever had. He always found a way to help me address my biggest obstacle; me :).

He would never refuse a call for some quick advice and he was always introducing people to me that could help me on my journey. Beyond all of that, which is a lot, Joe was a compassionate and loving person. He didn't just know my business; he knew me and always made me feel like he was proud of me.

Everyone that had the great fortune of knowing Joe, treasured him and held him in the same high regard as he gave his boundless energy freely to all. He never asked for anything in return, other than for us to bestow the gifts he had given onto others through mentorship and, really, through kindness.

Joe will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. He now belongs to the ages. However, his words and actions will echo through eternity.

With Love,

Greg Sutton