Tribute

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Laslo Babits. After a heroic fight after receiving another liver transplant ‘Las’ passed away peacefully at Vancouver General Hospital. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Predeceased by his mother Susan Babits.

He was born in Oliver and raised by Kalman and Susan Babits, immigrants from Hungary. Laslo had a brother Kalman and a sister Susane. He attended school in Oliver and graduated from S.O.S.S. Laslo will be most remembered for his athletic abilities. He excelled in every sport he every tried. He participated in track and field and in high school set numerous records for throwing the Javelin. He ended up getting a full ride scholarship to Washington State University and during this time he excelled at his sport and won many titles. He was on the 1984 Olympic team and placed 8th in the world.

His love for the Okanagan always brought him back for the summers. He lived a very full life travelling the world competing in track. He touched many lives everywhere. In 2001 he had a mushroom poisoning which cost him his liver but received a successful liver transplant . Unfortunately, his liver gave up and his next liver transplant was not successful. He fought long and hard to make it work, but it was not meant to be. He enjoyed fishing, digging for antique bottles, photography and fruit harvesting. He lived a simple, but good life. Always was helping someone with a chore or project. He loved our dogs, may times he took them on road trips. He also loved collecting signatures and meeting people from all walks of life. He did this all over the world. He added to his collection during the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

He spent the last 10 years introducing his nieces Stefanie and Alexis, nephews Andrew and Robert to the Okanagan way of life. He passed on his love of the Okanagan to the next generation. A very special bond developed amongst them and the friends and family in the Okanagan valley. Laslo will be laid to rest in Oliver.

A memorial mass will be celebrated by Fr. Neil Lustado at 1:30 P.M. Saturday July 20, 2013 at Christ the King Catholic Church, Oliver, BC.