Andrew Gazsity was born in Battonya, Hungary on November 15, 1916 to Prokop and Irma. He raced ahead to open the pearly gates, for the rest of his friends and family, leaving us peacefully on March 24, 2011 at Victoria Jubilee Hospital. He was known as Andy, Dad, Andras, Bandi, Papa and 50-50; the later due to his reply when greeted.
Andrew was adventurous, inspirational, inventive, a humanitarian, an entrepreneur for many years, loved his family and lived his life fully and with gusto.
He took pleasure in going to Hawaii for many years, and delighted in swimming the Kamaole Beaches in Kihei, Maui.
Andrew loved singing, dancing, and delicious food. He enjoyed telling and hearing good jokes. He appreciated technology and would marvel at the latest innovations especially when all you had to do was “push the button”.
In his younger years Andrew was a boxer and studied martial arts “back in the old country”. It came in handy in his early 80’s when he was attacked by a ruffian who suddenly realized he had unfortunately met his match! He was proud of maintaining his strength right to the end.
Andrew left Hungary in 1948 and immigrated to Moncton, New Brunswick in 1951. After working for a year in New Brunswick he decided to explore Canada, with his new friends Louis P. and Louis N. They stopped along the way to work in Tillsonburg, Ontario. Andrew was looking for a nirvana, (a place with the least amount of snow accumulation in Canada). He established himself in Vancouver BC, where he began a business in scrap metal which was his second love. He settled eventually in Victoria in 1970. He maintained a business in the scrap industry in one way or another until his mid 70’s.
At a New Year’s Dance in 1954 he met his wife to be Emelia, and celebrated New Year’s Eve, robustly, every year to his very last.
Those left to wonder at his passing include his brother, Valdemar; wife of 54 years, Emelia; daughters, Maria, Ettel (Attila), Emelia (Brent), Kathy (Rick) and Ann (Pieter). As well he leaves 3 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Andrew was predeceased by his sisters Amelia, Hajnal, Elizabeth and his brother Peter.
A Celebration of Andrew’s Life will be held in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to your charity of choice. To send condolences, please visit www.mccallbros.com.
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Peter Castell
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Dennis Pinvidic Andy was a great influence in my life. His inspiration came to me at early and important time in my life. I’ll always remember his “get it done” attitude and will be ever greatful for whatever I was able to glean from him.
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Roger Cardinal I met Andy in 1973 when I started my legal practice in Victoria. Through the years, I learned to respect his honesty, integrity and intelligence. When I was teaching in the Lawyers Training Program at UVIC, I often used “Andy” stories to illustrate that this was the kind of client every lawyer wanted. His word was his bond which in our society, is a rare virtue. My most sincere condolences to all the family on the loss of a great man.
Roger Cardinal
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Cindy, Bruce & Sarah Jones We were so very sorry to hear of Andy’s passing. Although it has been many years since we have seen him, he has left an imprint on our memories. We remember him as a kind, hard working man with a great sense of humour. In my teens, my family rented a house from the Gazsities right next door to Cypress Disposal. We were awakened early many mornings to the sound of big trucks starting up and Andy barking orders. The whole Gazsity family pitched in and helped with the business. It was truly a team effort. My mother, who passed away in 1978, enjoyed many animated conversations with Andy (our landlord) when he would stop by the house to check and see how things were. He was always friendly and kind to my young brothers who were very interested in the trucks. Andy liked to joke with them and my youngest brother Craig learned to do a fine impersonation of his distinctive and charming Hungarian accent.
Kathy was my first true friend in Victoria as we both were new to Savory school the same year and neither of us knew anyone, so we bonded as fellow newbies. Her whole family were warm and caring and knowing them is one of the hilights of my teenage life.
To the whole Gazsity family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Much love to you all.The Jones family
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Tiina Turu & Hart Wellmeier Dear Mrs. Gazsity, Ann, Kathy and Emmy,
We are so very sorry for the loss of your husband and father. Over the years we have learned from Ann about her Dad’s considerable intelligence, determination and extraordinary work ethic, and know that this vital man with the big spirit and generous heart will be deeply missed.
You are in our thoughts.
Tiina Turu and Hart Wellmeier
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Mark & Lynda Hutchings Its with great sadness to learn of andy’s passing . Andy gave me my first real job and some important leasons in life . He gave me the chance to drive which i still do today . I remember he let me use his newest truck to get my licience and as i was leaving the yard he said to me DARLING you have accident i kill you .Gone but never forgotten thanks ANDY. Mrs Gazsity and girls our thoughts are with you.
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Caroline Thompson Dear Emmy, I was so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take heart in all the fond memories that will lessen the loss. Hugs.
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Darrell and Beverly Danyluck Our sincere condolences to all the family.
We remember so well those days at Cypress Disposal so many years ago, when Andy’s zest for life, his business and most of all his family made such an impression on us both. Andy lived his life well!
Mrs. Gazsity, Emmy, Kathy and Ann, you are all in our thoughts.
Bev and Darrell
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Gladys McChesney and family We are so very sorry to hear about your loss. Andy was a great guy, a really kind man, and his attention to family. My fondest memory is his reply to “How are you”? and the answer was always 50-50. That always brought a smile to our faces.
As time passes, it will get better for everyone, and only the good times will stand out.
Know that we’re all sending our most sincere thoughts to all of you.
Take care
Gladys and family
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Peggy and Ken List Ken and I are so sorry for your loss, Andy was a great boss, a caring and generous friend. I will always remember the times spent either working for the family and all the great dinners, and of course the wine after doing the month end billing for the family business.
Always brings back fond memories when I pass by what was the Cypress Recycle on Station Road.Love to Emmy and the girls
The List family
So many young memories of your family. So sorry for your loss.