Tribute

Kalman passed away peacefully at McKinney Place on March 7, 2012 at the age of 89. He was predeceased by his wife Julianna, three sisters, two brothers and his partner of sixteen years Eleanor Mattes.
Kalman was born and raised in Rakoczifalva, Hungary where he enjoyed his youthful passion of soccer. He was in the Hungarian army and worked as a demolition technician during the revolution. After the revolution he and his wife escaped by walking over the border at night to Austria with only the clothes they wore and a few small possessions. After a time in France they emigrated to Canada and made their way to Fort St. John. There he operated a house construction company and a janitorial service with his wife. While hauling fruit from Oliver, north and to Alberta, he fell in love with the Okanagan and relocated here. After the loss of his wife, he met Eleanor at Elks bingo. They lived together for sixteen years until Eleanor’s death in 2002.
Kalman was a warm, peace loving man who made friends with everyone he met. He will be missed by all his friends at bowling, bingo and the Hungarian Club, especially Joe, Kathy, Mike and Helen.
Thank you to the staff at McKinney Place and Dr. Johnston.
A gathering of friends will be held in his memory later this spring.
Condolences and tributes may be sent by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver & Osoyoos.