Michael Fodor

1968 - 2016

Michael Fodor

"There are people who make rain and others who hold an umbrella," said Mike in the early 1990's when beginning his professional adventure in Eastern Europe. He was definitely the rain maker - energetic, positive, always ready for a challenge, never taking 'no' for an answer. He saw opportunities where others saw obstacles, he looked for fresh, unusual ideas, and he preferred unknown versus easy, and comfortable paths.

Mike was larger than life. He was a free spirit who always walked to his own drum, both in business and in life. He founded and successfully ran several international market research businesses in Russia, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria, the United Kingdom and Dubai. He was a true leader - demanding and challenging but always inspiring and giving. He was a clever and stimulating erudite with a fantastic sense of humor . . . a contrarian who enjoyed a good argument.

He was a man of many passions - history, particularly WWII; European cars; baseball (he was a die-hard New York Yankee's fan); refined food (foie gras); and travel (his endeavours brought him to almost all the continents).

But above all, Mike had a passion for people. Wherever he went he made a mark on other people's lives, both in business and in private life. His friendships were deep and meaningful and they lasted a lifetime. If you were his friend, you were his family . . . and there was nothing he wouldn't do for you.

Mike had an enormous heart and a need, and a generosity, to share it with others. And at the end, it was his heart that failed him.

He was born on April 12, 1968 in Trenton NJ, the son of Eugene William and Brenda Louise Huff Fodor. He was married to Kasia Fodor (nee Krawczuk) whom he met in Warsaw and married in 1998. They have a son, Chris, who was the apple of his Dad's eye. Mike leaves behind his wife and son, his parents, and his many true friends. He took a big part of all of us with him. Mike, we love you and we will always miss you!

The family invites friends for visitation Friday, May 20 at the Minor Funeral Home, Route 7 in Milton from 4 to 7 p.m. Burial will take place on Saturday, May 21 at South Hero Cemetery on South Street in South Hero at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of the following organizations: C.I.D.E.R., P.O. Box 13, South Hero, VT 05486 or The Civil Air Patrol, 355 Valley Road, South Burlington, VT 05403 or to the VT Heart Association, 110 Main Street, Suite 203, Burlington, VT 05401.

Online condolences may be made at www.minorfh.com.

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