Tribute

Zoltan “Zoli” Boda left this earth peacefully after 88 years of life well-lived.  He moved from this world with loving hands and whispers from his family at his bedside.  Zoli is predeceased by his father, Peter, his mother, Maria, his little sister Rosza and his older brother Zsigmond, all of Hungary.  He is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Marianna, his oldest daughter, Rita and his son-in-law, Dayle, his youngest daughter, Audrey, his son-in-law, Sam, and his only grandchild, Zoë.

Zoli immigrated to Canada in early 1957 in the wake of the Hungarian Revolution with his entire class of forestry engineering students from the University of Sopron.  Canada welcomed Zoli and his classmates with open arms, into degree programs at the University of British Columbia and summer jobs with the logging camps on the West Coast.  Many pictures and stories recount the excitement and adventure of Zoli’s early days in Canada as he learned a new language and fully embraced the many wonderful opportunities his adopted home had to offer.  Zoli lived in Vancouver for nearly a decade before settling on a career in education and moved to northern Alberta to serve as a teacher and soon as a principal.

Zoli’s first principalship was in Calling Lake, Alberta where he earned favourable commendations from staff and parents and soon enough the Northland School District offered him a position as an educational facilitator supporting many of the small schools and communities in its vast network.  He was recognized for his extensive curriculum knowledge, teacher coaching abilities, and serene leadership capabilities, and he was soon promoted to be Assistant Superintendent in the district office in Peace River, Alberta where he served for many years.  In 1982, the family moved to Grande Cache, Alberta, where Zoli served as principal in both of the town’s elementary schools.

In 1990, Zoli and Marianna made the move to Kelowna BC, but Zoli was not yet ready for retirement. He spent several years serving as a principal for multiple schools that appreciated his ability to implement change, achieve goals, and restore harmony in times of difficulty.  He treasured letters from parents and teachers thanking him for his dedication to students, quiet yet effective leadership, and uncanny ability to bring people together in support of student learning.

Over the years, Zoli volunteered in a variety of community organizations wherever he lived and worked, with many hours dedicated to the Lions Club.  Above all, he particularly loved his years spent with the Okanagan Center of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC).  From the moment he joined the volunteer-driven, non-profit organization, he was enthusiastic to learn everything he could about the stars.  He served as club treasurer for many years and was instrumental in helping the club establish the Okanagan Observatory.  Recognized in 2021 after a nomination from his fellow volunteers in the Kelowna Club, Zoli was honoured with a National Service Award from RASC.  Their nomination letter stated, that, “Zoli established himself quickly as an eloquent, thoughtful, and often humorous contributor to club discussions”.  His leadership and active participation in building the observatory site were invaluable, and “he could be found at various times behind the scenes keeping the books in order, or on-site in any of the several roles; operating a diesel packer helping to level gravel, spreading ground cover, installing the entry gate, leading installation of amphitheatre seating and lending a hand to various other maintenance tasks.”  The entranceway to the observatory was even unofficially named “Zoli’s Road” in recognition of his contributions.

Zoli was both introspective and social.  He collected stamps with avid precision, was an active amateur astronomer, and kept meticulous notes and records of esoteric things that interested him.  He actively enjoyed golfing, downhill skiing, and travelling with his family.  He seemed quiet if you didn’t know him well because he spent a lot of time listening and thinking, but when he spoke, it was all too often with a mischievous humour and insight that endeared him to everyone he met.  He took great delight in sharing his love of astronomy with others and was thrilled to join Audrey, Sam, and Zoë in Texas for the 2024 total solar eclipse. As he watched the sun entirely disappear from the midday sky, he thrilled at every second of this special cosmic event.  He truly enjoyed the friendships he built during the past several years at Sunshine Ridge Seniors Community and appreciated the staff for all their many kindnesses during his time in Osoyoos.  He could often be spotted driving his bright blue scooter around town and was delighted to entertain others by recounting his off-road adventures in the beautiful nearby scenery.

Donations can be made in Zoli’s memory to the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation or the Okanagan Observatory.  His telescopes have been joyfully donated to the Ntamtqen Band elementary school in Keremeos, where the students can enjoy their exploration of the stars for many years to come.