Obituary of Bela Bill Vass

Bela Vass passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on January 12, 2025, at the age of 87. Reunited with his beloved wife Eva Vass (August 2017) of 58 years. Loving father of Bill, Ava, Erika and father-in-law of Robin. Loving grandfather “Papa” of Kalin, Taylor and Brady. Dear friend to Diane and many others. Bela will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Born on November 12, 1937 in the Hungarian village of Szekelykeve (Skorenova) in Yugoslavia. Bela made his way to Canada at the age of 17 to make a new life for himself, and subsequently brought to Canada his mother, stepfather and four siblings. Bela lived a life marked by generosity, selflessness, and a sense of humour - Eastern European fused with English.

Bela was a serial entrepreneur. Upon arriving in Canada, he worked for Coleman Meatpackers in London, Ontario as a butcher and soon afterwards opened Vass Meat Market in London. Having decided that his true passion was travel, Bela moved with his family to Windsor to start Vass Travel Service in 1971 and retired in 2001. Having the gift of conversation, Bela also managed to fit in presenting the weekly Hungarian radio show for Windsor and Detroit encompassing Hungarian current affairs and music. His working life was characterized by a deep sense of integrity and commitment to his clients and customers.

Outside of his professional life, Bela’s true passion was soccer. He was the co-founder of the Hungarian Hall and the Hungarian Soccer Club in London (Dorchester) and continued to play with the Hungarian Soccer Club in Windsor into his 60’s (albeit at a slower pace).

A funeral service to celebrate Bela Vass' life will be held on Tuesday, January 28th at 11 am at Windsor Chapel – South Chapel.

We invite you to join us in remembering and honoring the remarkable life of Bela. He will forever remain in our hearts and memories.