CHARLES HORVATH

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

CHARLES HORVATH May 2, 1935 - April 10, 2017 Peacefully, on Monday, April 10, 2017, Charles Joseph Horvath passed away at the age of 81. Left to mourn Charles are his daughter Kira (Nate) Lunde and son Kiley Horvath, and his dear grandchildren Katrina and Korissa. He also leaves to mourn: his sister Ollie (Ken) Usher, nieces Linda Stordeur, Sandy Usher, and nephews Glen (Sally) Usher, and Brent (Laura) Usher as well as many great nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his wife Carol Horvath, his parents Joseph and Mary Horvath, and his sister Emily Cardin. Charles was born on May 2, 1935, in Winnipeg. He went to an all Hungarian school in Menisino, MB, where his parents raised him and his sisters on the family farm, which his dad founded after coming here from Hungary. Over the years, Charles started to envision something great for the farm he grew up on. Shortly after his dad passed away, he started building chicken barn after chicken barn after chicken barn. His farm quickly became one of Manitoba's largest egg producing operations with over 40,000 laying hens. Charles's desire to learn and grow was incredible. He joined the Manitoba Egg Board and shortly thereafter he became Chairman for the Canadian Egg Marketing Agency. He represented the country all over the world, working diligently for every Canadian egg farmer. On October 2, 1971, Charles married a beautiful woman from Vassar, MB. Her name was Caroline Gauthier. This perfect pair sure had a lot of fun together. They loved to travel and spend time with many great friends. As the family grew older, they enjoyed many memorable family trips to amazing places. Charles and Carol sold the farm in 1978 and moved the family to Steinbach. This is where Charles spent and enjoyed the second half of his life. He quickly became engulfed in the community by joining many organizations and starting many different businesses in Steinbach. Charles was a key member in establishing and building the local Catholic church. He continued in the farming sector by working at Landmark Agro and selling fertilizer to all the local farmers. Charles enjoyed helping everyone out and was always willing to give advice to anyone who would ask. A little later on in life he worked at the Federal Business Development Bank of Canada. Here he put on seminars and workshops for all the small businesses who enrolled in his programs. This is when people started to see his business savvy shine. Retirement came shortly after. He moved to Buffalo Point in the late 90s and he lived there for quite a few wonderful years. Here Charles enjoyed ice fishing, cutting wood, feeding deer, and watching the birds. This was a very happy and peaceful time in his life. After selling the cabin he moved back to Steinbach and operated a restaurant for quite a few years with his wife Carol. Eventually retirement called him again and his final years were spent gardening, reading the paper, and crocheting blankets for his loved ones. During his final years he spent a lot of time with his special friend Liz Loeppky. She helped provide support and friendship that really meant a lot to him. Through all of Charles's endeavors, he met and touched many people's lives. His kind and gentle nature was felt by everyone who knew him. He was always willing to give what he could to whomever needed it. His witty sense of humor put smiles on many faces. Charles has now walked through the pearly gates where he can rest peacefully. The funeral service will be held on Monday, April 17, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Our Savior Catholic Parish in Steinbach with the interment at Heritage Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Charles may be made to The Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba (in memo line: Lewy Body Dementia, Winnipeg, MB. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 15, 2017