It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Janos Viszlai on February 3, 2025. He will be profoundly missed by his beloved wife of 69 years, Eva, his daughter Mary (Rod), his son Stephen (Connie) and his grandsons, Ryan and Evan (Megan), as well as his extended family and many dear friends. Janos was predeceased by his eldest son John in 2021.
Janos was born in Mucsony, Hungary and immigrated to Canada in 1956 alongside his colleagues from the Sopron University due to the upheaval of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. As part of the esteemed Sopron Forestry School, he and his fellow students were welcomed by the University of British Columbia as the Sopron Division of the Faculty of Forestry where they earned their degrees before becoming pioneers in Canada’s forest industry. Over a distinguished 40-year career, Janos became a leading specialist in forest inventory. His work with the Ministry of Forests took him to all corners of British Columbia, where he played a vital role in field operations, managed inventory camps across the province, and ultimately served as Director of the Growth and Yield Branch. His contributions helped shape forestry practices in Canada, leaving a lasting legacy.
Janos and Eva were married in 1956 in Salzburg, Austria, before beginning their new life together in Victoria, B.C., where they built a home and a life filled with love and community. A dedicated member of the Hungarian Society of Victoria, the Association of BC Forest Professionals and Saint Patrick’s Roman Catholic Parish, Janos was a pillar of his community, always fostering connections and supporting Hungarian culture in Canada.
Beyond his professional and community endeavors, Janos was a man of many passions. He was an avid gardener who found joy in the outdoors, a lifelong soccer enthusiast who never missed an opportunity to follow the game, and a dedicated traveler who returned to Europe frequently to visit family and reconnect with his roots. A student of history and an insatiable reader, he had a particular interest in Hungarian history and took great pride in preserving and sharing his heritage.
Janos will be remembered for his gentle demeanor, his keen sense of humor, and his unwavering dedication to his family, his work, and his culture. His wisdom, kindness, and quiet strength will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Funeral service will be held at Saint Patrick’s Parish, 2060 Haultain Street, Victoria, BC, on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 12:10 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca/
Nyugodj Békében, Janos. Your legacy will live on in the forests you helped steward, the family you cherished, and the many lives you touched.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Blair
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Lauri Roche To Eva and your family
I am sorry to hear about Janos. I remember him well by your side many times at Royal BC Museum functions and volunteer tours. He was a very kind, dear man but also leaves a lasting legacy with his work with our British Columbia forests. He will be fondly remembered.
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Lois McNabb Hello Eva.
Condolences to you and your family. I remember meeting your husband when he used to attend tours arranged by the volunteer association at the Royal BC Museum, or picked you up after your volunteer shift. May your memories help keep you connected to him and bring you comfort.
Lois McNabb, fellow volunteer
Hello Eva,
I was saddened to hear about this news from Wayne Dealy, who introduced me to both of you within the last two years or so. I was always happy to chat with him about the garden at your house.
I’ll miss him at the house.
My sincere condolences to you and your family. He is a special man. With gratitude to Janos, and to you, for your kindness and generosity with me.
Blair Finnie (Blair the Gardener)