Alex Vass

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather Alex Vass on June 20, 2025.

Alex was born in Soroksar, Hungary on June 10, 1935, to Alex and Elizabeth Vass. At a very young age, his father drowned in the Danube River, but he enjoyed a happy childhood until World War II began. This brought untold hardship and trauma to him. After the war he gained his certification as a pilot, welder, and barber. He was drafted into the army for a short period of time.

He then met Rozalia Bartok, a beautiful young woman whom he fell deeply in love with. He shared his meager food rations with her during desperate times and once threw himself in front of a moving army tank to protect her. Their love story blossomed into a lifelong partnership when they married on June 20, 1954. Soon they were blessed with their son Alex.

After a few short years together, the Hungarian Revolution began in 1956. Drafted to fly a fighter jet, Alex, unwilling to harm others, made the difficult decision to leave Hungary in search of a better life. They walked through fields riddled with land minds, evaded gunfire and checkpoints, and often lost their way in the darkness. They arrived in Halifax on February 8, 1957. They were sent to Regina, but dad could not find work and took a train to Saskatoon where they rebuilt their life together.

Alex worked tirelessly to support his family. He worked as a welder at Smith-Roles, Federated Co-operatives and finally founded his own business Vass Forklift Sales. Alex and his iconic blue repair van became a local fixture.

Alex’s life changed for the better when Rozalia showed him what she was learning from the Bible. The promise of a better world, where sickness, death, injustice and war would be no more, moved him deeply and he became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1960. He zealously shared this good news with everyone he met. This life decision helped him to release the resentment and heartbreak that he carried with him and brought joy and contentment back to his life.

Alex’s main goal in life was to protect, provide for, and love his family. His children and grandchildren were the treasures of his life. After enduring the ravages of war and poverty, he vowed that his family would never go hungry again. He lived that promise, loving with passion, and giving without hesitation. Many can attest to dad showing up on their doorstep with whatever he heard they needed.

Dad was a man of many talents and enjoyed hard work, from building his own house, to fixing cars and forklifts and anything else. He was happiest knee deep in soil or waist deep in a fishing boat. He bought a cabin at Delaronde Lake where he created lasting memories with friends and family. He loved travelling - visiting Hawaii, his homeland Hungary, and hosting family here in Canada. He loved spending time in nature. Dad always made time to enjoy life and was often heard saying: “Enjoy your life, no one can do that for you.”

Alex leaves to mourn his daughters Margaret (Rick) Gardiner, Lisa Vass, grandchildren Paul (Erica) Vass, Christopher Vass, and great grandchildren Ari, Tripp, Connor, and Hailey. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 70 years Rozalia, son Alex, brother John, and both of his parents.

Although the nucleus and rock of our family is now gone, his example and unwavering love and devotion will live on and we eagerly await the day where he will be resurrected to life on earth full of health and passion once again, just as the Bible promises. We invite you to visit JW.org to learn more about this hope that dad held so close to his heart.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to the staff at Parkridge Centre who provided exceptional care for dad and for us during these very difficult 2 years, as well as the many dear friends who continue to stand by our side. There will be a private family service according to his wishes.

Martens Warman Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care and arrangements for Alex Vass.