Joseph "Joe" Meszaros

It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of our dear son, husband, father, brother, grandfather Joseph "Joe" Meszaros on Thursday, June 20, 2019 at the age of 74 years at St. Michael's Health Centre with his family by his side.

Joe was born April 13, 1945 to Joseph and Elizabeth Meszaros in Kunsziget, Hungary.  He came to Canada when he was 12 and had resided in Lethbridge and area the balance of his lifetime.

Joe instilled in his children and grandchildren to be hardworking, to be kind to all, to have fun and to enjoy every precious moment in life.  The devotion and dedication to his wife, his children and his grandchildren was truly amazing.  He treasured the time spent with all of them and took great pride and joy in being a father and grandfather.  His guidance and support was an inspiration to all of his family.  The love he had for his mom went above and beyond in his care.  He visited her daily and as Joe's illness progressed, he was very sad to not be able to see her.  Joe depended on his brother Steve to carry on caring for their mom.  Joe loved his brother for all of his accomplishments, love of life and his travels.

Joe loved fishing with his buddies, golfing, barbecuing, camping, going to the movies and watching football.  He thoroughly enjoyed holidaying with his family and dear friends and especially enjoyed his “Vegas” trips and his Monday night "crib" games and his Wednesday soup group.

Joe enjoyed ice cream, chocolate (Coffee Crisp) and the cinnamon sugar pretzels.  He would fill his pockets with Campino candies and pass them out to the grandchildren.  Joe very much enjoyed attending the grandchildren's activities and was so proud of their hockey talents.

Joe was an exceptional cook, especially his Hungarian dishes.  He so enjoyed having family and friends over for drinks and meals.  His humour was extraordinary.  He was unselfish and his focus was always on others around him.

Joe's accomplishments in his life were numerous.  Joe became a partner in McKay Simmons in 1978 and then McKay Simmons Schwartz Realty in 1980.  Joe and his brother Steve started Gemini Property & Land Developments thereafter and completed many multi-family, industrial and land developments in the next decades.  Joe was a partner of Steve's in Avonlea Homes Ltd. until Gemini and Avonlea shares were divided.  Joe then became partners with Brad Kirk to carry on with Southgate Commercial Land Corp. and his last great development, Country Meadows.

Joe will be so sadly missed and so lovingly remembered by his family.  He leaves behind a legacy of fond memories and a family who dearly loved and admired him.  He is a one of a kind wonderful special man and he will never be forgotten.  His spirit will live on in our hearts and minds forever.  He is now at rest and peace, enjoying Hungarian martinis with his dad, father-in-law, brother-in-law and friends.  We love you Joe and we will miss you terribly every single moment of every single day.  Our lives just won't be the same without you.  YOU INDEED WERE OUR HERO.

"It was an absolute honour to be your wife my dear sweet Joe.  How blessed I was to have found that perfect partner to share my journey of life with. I will treasure our beautiful memories forever.  Thank you for all the fun and laughter that we shared.  You fought a difficult battle and I truly admired your strength and courage and never heard you complain.  Your leaving us was heart wrenching.  The suffering you endured was very unfair.  Your passion to want to live was enormous.  My heart is now broken in a million pieces. Hold that spot up there for me babe - we will be together again.  Love you forever and always, YOUR PRINCESS."

Left with his memory are his mother Elizabeth Meszaros; mother-in-law Margarete Moch; wife Helen Meszaros; brother Steve (Maxine) Meszaros; children Jodi (Brent) Merriman,  Heidee Meszaros, Chad (Kate) Eggebrecht; grandchildren Noel (Blair) Stolz, Ashlyn (Robbie) Gunderson, Ethan Merriman, Evan Merriman, Shayla Walshe, Hayden Walshe, Joey Walshe, Owen Eggebrecht, Ava Eggebrecht; great-grandchildren Morgan Stolz, Avery Stolz; brothers-in-law Don Cox, Peter (Linda) Moch, Harry (Sue) Moch, Rob Moch; sisters-in-law May Olshaski, Debbie Byrne, as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

Joe was predeceased by his father Joe Meszaros; father-in-law Gerhard Moch; granddaughter Christina Walshe; brother-in-law Greg Olshaski; sister-in-law Hanna Cox and his nephew Duane Moch.

The family would like to thank all of Joe's dear friends for their visits and phone calls.  It amazed his family as to what an impact he had on the lives of so many.  No matter how poorly he felt, he welcomed all into his home for the reminiscing and chats.  His home was a revolving door of so many that truly loved this man of immense strength and courage.  Joe fiercely fought his dreadful disease right to his passing.

The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Colin Walsh and Dr. Dionne Walsh for the amazing care they provided, to Carol Hudson of Home Care for her kindness and amazing care, to Jan at Palliative for her amazing care and compassion in Joe's final days.

A big heartfelt thank you to Chris Martin Jong for your strength, guidance, friendship and love to help honour Joe the way he should be, and to all of his wonderful staff at Martin Brothers.

 A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00pm on Thursday, June 27, 2019, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am, on Friday, June 28, 2019, at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Father Kevin Tumback, celebrant.

Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in Joe's name to St. Michael's Health Centre - Palliative Care Unit, 1400 9 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 4V5.

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