Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Gabor Lorant Obituary

Gabor Lorant, 75, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away April 24, 2005 while
in Budapest, Hungary. The recipient of Fulbright grants from 1999 through 2005, Gabor taught western building design and construction processes to international students at the Technical University of Budapest. His expertise with hazard mitigation led to recognition throughout the United States and Europe. Granted an honorary doctorate in 2004, his teaching embodied the opportunity and freedom that is offered in the United States. In 1956 he was forced to flee Hungary for the United States after playing a significant role as a Freedom Fighter in the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. He settled in Phoenix, Arizona in 1957, establishing his architecture firm, Gabor Lorant Architect Inc. in 1963. Under his direction for its first 30 years, the firm designed and built projects in 32 states and three countries, receiving numerous awards for design and construction excellence. Gabor was individually honored with Fellowship in the American Institute of Architects and received the Arizona Architects Medal, having served his profession at the local, regional, national and international levels. He also contributed in many ways to the quality of life in his community, serving as the Chairman of the Phoenix Environmental Commission, the Co-Chair of the Phoenix Mountain Preservation Committee, Chairman of Building Performance Center of the American Institute of Architects, as the President of the Urban League Development Company, and as a Member of the Board of Directors for the American Institute of Architects, the Valley Christian Centers, the Arizona Roadside Council, CODAMA, Phoenix Urban League and Phoenix O.I.C. Gabor is survived by his spouse of 45 years, Mona Lorant, his daughter, Katarina Vance, his sons, Timot Lorant and Jan Lorant, and his grandchildren, Audrianna Vance and William Lorant. A memorial service will be conducted at 7:00pm on Saturday, the 18th of June 2005 at the Phoenix Preparatory Academy, 735 E. Fillmore, Phoenix, Arizona. In lieu of flowers donations are being accepted for the Gabor Lorant Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 45071, Phoenix, Arizona 85064.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on May 15, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Gabor Lorant

19 Entries

Paul Revai

June 16, 2005

Our deepest sympathies to the family of Gabor.

Paul and Joan Revai

Valeria and Arpad Fodor

June 13, 2005

Dear Gabor,

You left us very unexpectedly. Only few days earlier we have spoken about spending a weekend together, about our common job…

We came to know you few years ago through one of your good friends, Geza E. Kmetty. Since that time our relationship has been uninterrupted, and a mutual, respectful friendship developed between us. If we were in need You helped us: with you dear wife, Mona, you hosted us in your home, providing us an unforgettable memory. We came to know the USA, Arizona through Your eyes, you were who explained us a lot of things: how the country lives, thinks, feels. If you were in need, we tried to support you: we helped in writing your Hungarian notes, in solving your what-abouts. Last summer, on almost every day, we exchanged e-mails about topics which interested both of us: family, jobs, aging, health and human nature. You were wise, since you knew that no one can always win, and even so you could appreciate the beauties of the Life: the good music, the laughing, the exercises, the goodness, the calmness, the friendship and the thoughtfulness. What could not happen because of your leaving, will not influence the completeness of your life. A rich life-work, a beautiful family, the respect of your name and remembrance.

Rest in peace! We wish you’re your beloved family solace and peaceful remembrance.

Arpad Fodor and Vali Fodor, Budapest

Deborah White

June 9, 2005

To the Lorant Family: I was so surprised to hear the sad news! My deepest sympathies for your loss.

Deb

Peter Kunka

June 5, 2005

I am saddened to learn of the passing of "My Dear Friend" Gabor..

That's what he called me.. that's what he called everyone.. Gabor was gentle soul, and a gentleman.

Gabor inducted me into the AIA, and I served with him on several Committees where I enjoyed watching him "tweak" noses at City of Phoenix in order to advance one AIA cause or another.

My heart goes out to Jan, and his Family. I offer my sincere Condolences for their loss of Gabor, My Dear Friend..

Jay Alagia

May 25, 2005

Gabor was a friend and professional client to me. I cherish my many memories of the times I spent with him talking about many things, including the old world memories, world history, yoga, the state of the profession and the architectural projects. I had hoped to spend more time with him during his retirement. It was not to be. I sorely miss him.

Hans Rosenthal

May 19, 2005

I came to Arizona in 1974 and when I started calling on architects with Lighting Products, Gabor and I began a lasting friendship, which carried beyond the business relationship. He was not only a great architect in the Valley, but his humanity and sincerity showed through at all times. I want to extend my sympathy and respect to all of his family.

Roy Noggle

May 18, 2005

I served with Gabor on the AIA Coucil of Delegates and Bd. of Directors. I was always humbled by Gabor's energy, his inciciveness and his ability to persist with his vision of the "Big Picture."

I extend my sympathies to Gabor's family.

Jack HASKELL

May 16, 2005

Gabor and his family have been close friends since they arrived in 1963. We will miss our yearly visits, as he traveled between Hungary and the US. His son, Jan, will carry on the Architectural legacy that Gabor pioneered. Our deepest sympathy to Mona and their three children.

teresa dozer

May 16, 2005

mona, jan, timot, kati and family,

my heart goes out to you at the loss of your gabor.

his energy and life will always be here with us, appreciated by those who had the rare epxerience to know him.

grateful to have had a moment-

thinking of you-teresa dozer

Larry Forsythe

May 16, 2005

I am so sad to lose "my dear friend" Gabor. I met Gabor as a construction superintendent in the early 1970's on a project at North High School and after 30 plus years still enjoyed working with him on a group home project last year. I will miss my dear friend.

Steve Barduson AIA

May 16, 2005

I am so sad for you today Jan, I will pray for your family and wish you to be comforted by the Comforter.

jack debartolo Jr.

May 16, 2005

gabor, he was a good friend. i respected his professional skills, a gentleman in every way. his integrety was without question. he had boundless energy for our profession, he is appreciated and we will miss him. jack2

Mark Vinson

May 16, 2005

May our Lord & Savior be with the Lorant family at this time and always.

Margie Luster Caruso Turley Scott Inc.

May 16, 2005

Every man is the architect of his own life... The life sketch of Gabor Lorant clearly shows that he chose to design a life that will always be cherished and remembered by many. Sincere sympathies to the family.

Neal Jones

May 16, 2005

When I moved to Phoenix 19 years ago and joined the AIA, I was warmly welcomed by Gabor at my induction ceremony to the AZ AIA chapter at Herb Scheneider's old office on McDowell Rd. I believe Gabor was the Central Chapter President at that time. I will always remember that occasion and how welcome he made me feel. Here's to you Gabor! You made a difference in a young architect's life.

Kenneth Alexander4

May 16, 2005

A fine individualas well as a super Architect. His passing will be missed

Brent Davis

May 16, 2005

I wish to extend my sympathies to the Lorant family on the passing of Gabor. I shall always remember him as a vibrant member of the architectural profession whose passion for serving was second to none. I shall never forget our numerous encounters throughout the years. May he rest in peace.

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results