CSABA STEVE BEGAI

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

CSABA STEVE BEGAI 1942 - 2018 It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our husband, father and grandfather. He lost the battle with his health and passed peacefully, with his family by his side, on Monday, October 8, 2018 at St. Boniface Hospital where we all had a chance to say our last goodbyes. Csaba was born on April 22, 1942 in Budapest, Hungary. He was the son of Charles and Maria Begai and the younger brother to Bud. At age 14, Csaba, his brother and his dad escaped the Hungarian Revolution and landed in England before they immigrated to Canada. Their final destination in Canada was Winnipeg. This was his new home. He grew up attending school, playing soccer, and making new friends. Csaba and his brother joined a water polo team and he was responsible for writing the newsletter every month for the water polo club called Splash. Csaba was always busy and on the go! He met his wife Erika, of 52 years, at the age of 20. He was introduced into her big German family, they dated for a few years and were married on October 9, 1965. It wasn't long after that they started a family of their own giving birth to their first daughter Monika, followed by Andrew, Velika and Zina. Our dad had the gift of the gab. He was enthusiastic, charismatic, and had a great sense of humour and determination. These traits allowed him to become a great salesman. He loved to sell and started off selling insurance. That didn't last long and he decided to try selling copiers. He worked for a couple of copier companies, Pitney Bowes and National Typewriter. He was soon approached by Nashua who sold Minolta copiers and they offered him a position to sell for them in Windsor, Ontario where he became sales manager. So, in 1972 he loaded up the family and drove out to Windsor. He continued to get transferred after the move to Windsor, first to Sault St. Marie and then to Mississauga. After a couple of years Csaba got sick and tired of making everyone else successful and working for other companies so, he decided to move back to Winnipeg and start his own company. In 1977 Csaba opened Bio-Static Systems Ltd. He was a small, independent copier company selling Minolta copiers competing against all the big names and corporations. Through extremely hard work and support from his wife he proved that great success is achievable and he didn't hide that fact. He achieved many awards from Minolta that were given to him in the form of a trip. In as little as two years he earned his first one. In 1979 Csaba and Erika were awarded a trip from Minolta to go to Ireland. That was just the first of many to follow. Each year they travelled to a new destination on Minolta's dime. They met many friends and Csaba left a mark on everyone. Travel became a big part of Csaba and Erika's lives. They were fortunate enough to share some of their trips with their children who he was so proud of. Life was grand. As we grew up our dad made sure that travel was going to be a part of our lives. Even though our dad was busy growing a company he made sure that he made time for a family vacation. Our trips were like no others; whether it was a road trip to the West coast, or a flight overseas, or to a hot destination, he made time for us. Our dad never played by the rules - that was not exciting enough for him so he made sure that our trips were fun, adventurous and memorable. Our trips at times were chaotic but full of laughs and fun moments. We will treasure those times forever. His small copier company became one of the largest dealerships in Winnipeg. He acquired many large accounts that still continue to do business with Bio-Static today which is now run by his oldest daughter. Csaba was loud, he was boisterous but most important he was a proud man, he loved a party, he loved telling stories and talking about those sales and trips that he achieved. As his family grew, grandchildren started becoming a big part of his life. He loved family get-togethers. Christmas was a special time for him along with any other celebration that allowed the whole family to be together. Summer time was his favourite. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren learn to swim in the pool. His grandchildren meant a lot to him, each having a special bond. As they got older, whether it was talking about sports, playing pool or chess or talking about a new job, grandpa loved sharing that time. He enjoyed listening, sharing his thoughts and giving advice. They will all miss those times with him. "Take your hat off"! Later, after retiring from a busy business life, he spent the winter months in Huatulco, Mexico with our mom. Over the last 10 years that was their second home. They met many friends and at times we would make a point of visiting them to celebrate Christmas and New Years in the hot sun. His health was affecting his ability to travel, 2016 was his last time in Huatulco with our mom. Csaba leaves behind his wife Erika, his three daughters: Monika (Dave), their children, Stephan and Hayden; Velika (Mark) and their child Hannah; Zina and her children, Jasmine, Paige and Evan. He was predeceased by his son Andrew. He will also be missed by his brother Bud Begay and his wife Linda. He was predeceased by his father Charles Begai and his stepmom Yolika. He will be sadly missed by many friends and family that shared many good times and memories with Csaba. In keeping with Csaba's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial reception celebrating his life will be held on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in the Coutu Funeral Chapel, 680 Archibald Street. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in memory of Csaba may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. "Lots of Love and thank you for the amazing memories Dad!" E.J. Coutu & Co. Funeral Directors 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 20, 2018