January 21, 1929 – Csabrendek, Hungary
October 24, 2017 – Victoria, British Columbia
It is with broken hearts and a deep sense of loss the family announces the sudden passing of Charles Racz.
Charles is survived by his loving wife Mary of 60 years and his children Thomas (Leslie), Margaret (Fred) and Attila. Cherished Papa to his grandchildren Melissa (Josh), Jason (Sara), Sarah (Tyler), Andréa, Lisa, Ali and John and great-grandchildren Carter, Ryder, Cooper and Aidan. Lovingly remembered by his sister Csili Pölöskey and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father Janos and mother Irén Racz, Sister Irchi Késmárki and Brother Janos Racz.
In 1956, Charles and Mary left Hungary during the revolution and arrived in Pier 21 in Halifax on March of 1957, settling in Calgary, where they started their family. Four years later, they relocated to Portage La Prairie where Charles began to re-explore his lifelong passion of airplanes and flying, a passion he shared with his sons.
Having been a member of the Hungarian Airforce, he joined the Portage Flying Club, got his private pilot’s license and restored his own Tripacer plane. The family moved back to Calgary in 1972 and opened the first location of Professional Skate Service.
During the 1988 Winter Olympics, Charles was honoured to be the service technician for figure skating events and closing ceremonies. After 25 years, he retired passing on the family business. Charles was an avid sailor and spent many summers at Gull Lake teaching his grandchildren to sail.
He loved working on cars and had restored many for his children. He took great pride in building Ford Model T go-carts for his grandchildren. In 1998, Charles and Mary moved to Sidney, B.C. where he enjoyed playing tennis and reconnecting with friends.
Charlie was a hardworking entrepreneur. To his wife, a loyal and loving provider. To his family, an unwavering supporter and a constant source of love and comfort. He will be remembered for his generosity, kindness and putting the needs of his family first and will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.
Our family would also like to thank all our wonderful friends and family for their prayers, love and support during this sad time.
A Celebration of Charles’s Life will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Suzanne Toth
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Paul Bergmann Dear Mary, Tom, Margaret, Atti, and all those grandchildren,
I am sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. I remember him well and think back to my time with your family, during high school, with great joy. I am sorry for your loss as he was a good man. My condolences during your time of loss.Mary – according to our deal of the time, I get to drive you grocery shopping now; let me know when you need a ride…:)
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Patrick and Steffany Francey Dear Mary and Family – our deepest condolences on the loss of Charlie. He had a special place in our hearts. His dedication and commitment to family inspired us. We are grateful everyday and share the story of Charles Racz building Professional Skate and then entrusting us to carry on his legacy in Edmonton. Each year at our staff retreat we share the stories of how the business began and how the Racz family impacted the world of skating on many levels.
Bless you all and may the love and prayers give you comfort knowing how much he was respected and loved.
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Nan and Ian Douglas We are so sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. He was such a wonderful man and we have such fond memories of him as our neighbour in Calgary. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family.
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Marietta Maier I have many wonderful memories of Karcsi Bacsi. Love to all of you.
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Evy and Mel Werner So sorry to hear about the loss of Papa Racz. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Racz families. We remember his famous Hungarian sausage, and think everyone in Heaven will now share it with him.
Dear Mary Neni and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Karcsi Bacsi’s passing. I have many wonderful memories of our families visiting together when you flew up to Grimshaw (making kolbasz) and of course your generous hospitality while I was at university and getting ready for our wedding. Now I smile thinking of dad and Karcsi Bacsi living it up with lots of kolbasz and good Hungarian music in heaven. Many thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.