EGBERT L. "EGA" LASZLO

1917 - 2013

LASZLO, EGBERT L.EGAEgbert L¿szl¿'s life of 95 years was filled with activities, competitions, successes and loving friends. Egbert died peacefully at home in Winter Park, with his family on August 29th, 2013. Born in Budapest, Hungary on October 4, 1917 Egbert went to Finland in the late 1920's when his father was posted there as a correspondent for a Hungarian newspaper and as the Honorary Consul of Hungary.Egbert was educated in the German School in Helsinki, and the Electrical Engineering Institute. He worked in the engineering field and in the Finnish film industry.When the "Winter War" broke out, Egbert became a Finnish citizen, and volunteered for the military. Egbert was a member of the Special Forces, and served with the famous Finnish Ski Troops.After the war, Egbert started with the company his father had founded as a literary agency. When he became the owner and Managing Director, he expanded the company to include news and feature businesses. The company, Reportage Bureau L¿szl¿ (RBL), was Finland¿s only independent news agency. RBL became an important licensor of popular comic characters: Batman, Dennis the Menace, the Flintstones, Woody Woodpecker and others. Egbert L¿szl¿ was an accomplished equestrian and rode for the Helsinki Officer Riders. He was ranked as one of Finland's top seven equestrians. He served as both Secretary and President of the Western Foreign Press Club, President of the Lions Club of Helsinki and member of the Helsinki Fencing Club. He also acted as Pan American World Airway's public relations consultant. Egbert moved to Winter Park after his retirement and later became an American Citizen. He did not remain inactive. He was a realtor with Keys Realty. His five languages were an asset when he volunteered at the Greater Orlando Airport Authority. Ultimately he became a full-time employee, and remained with GOAA until he retired at age 92. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer proclaimed January 10th as "Egbert L¿szl¿ Day" in honor of his 18 years of employment with the Airport Authority.Egbert is survived by his wife of 54 years, the former Patricia Keezel of Winter Park, four children: Philip L¿szl¿ (Ulla Maija) of Helsinki Finland and Bert L¿szl¿ of Las Vegas, NV, Dr. Marika L¿szl¿ of Winter Park, Cecilia L¿szl¿-Martin (Timothy) of Chattanooga,TN: four grandchildren and four great grandchildren and Sister, Suzanna Forsstrom of Trosa, Sweden.Services on Friday October 4, 2013, 6:30 PM,at the Lake Ivanhoe Chapel of Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home,Reverend Danielle Morris officiating.