BERT MEZEI, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Jolane Mezei, passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at the age of 97 years.
Born on May 20, 1926, in Hungary, he immigrated to Canada in 1939 with his mother and brother. He met and married Jo, the love of his life, in 1948 and would have celebrated 75 years of marriage in November. Bert farmed for several years before moving to Lethbridge, where he worked hard to provide for his family as a trucker.
Together with Jo, they raised three children: Jerry (Monica) Mezei, Bev (Klaus) Witzke and Sharon Mezei. Bert is survived by his grandchildren: Jodi Witzke (Jeremy Duchan), Lisa Witzke, (Larin Witsel), Sara (Kyle) Peters, Michael Mezei (Bianca Elke), Russell (Ashley) Mezei, Scott Mezei (Julien Van Tol) and Kristian Euphemia. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Landree, Evertt, Beau, Scottie Jo, Hart, Leon and Grayson.
Bert was an accomplished athlete. In his younger years, he was a boxer and a runner-up at the provincial championships in 1947. He was a champion bowler for many years, winning local, provincial and national competitions, coaching teams and bowling a perfect game in 1964, the second in Lethbridge history. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Lethbridge Country Club for decades. He was inducted into the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame in 1993.
The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services, Dr. Tim Collins at Campbell Clinic South, and St. Therese Villa for all the excellent care he received while battling the last stages of Parkinson's disease. Many thanks to his Country Club golfing buddies who helped him continue the sport despite his increasing blindness. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends for his quiet demeanour, gentle humour and caring disposition.
At Bert's request, a private Funeral Service will be held, with Pastor Lee Loveridge officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lethbridge Lions Club, PO Box 392, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 3Z1 or C.N.I.B. (cnib.ca)
Jeff Mezei, October 7, 2023
Dennis & DebbieMezei, October 4, 2023
Marilyn & Barry Sorensen, October 3, 2023
Tracy Ross, October 2, 2023
Christine (Angyal) Barnhart, September 30, 2023