William Hamburg

HAMBURG _ William Wonderful Husband, Father and Papa passed away quietly in his home on May 22nd, 2007, with his family at his side. Survived and missed by his dedicated wife Marla, his two daughters Lara (Steve) and Tobi Tonis (Leon) and someone he held very close to his heart, his first grandson "Owen William". His very close family, mother-in-law June, and brothers-in-law Randy (Nancy), Rusty (Dinah) and Dusty (Marsha). His sister Gizella and family in Hungary. Bill was predeceased by his father (Vilmos) and mother (Elizabeth) and his older sister Boszi from Hungary. Born in Dunaharaszti, Hungary on April 30th, 1935 and growing up in a communist country, Bill was forced to develop a great strength and determination to survive. At 18, he was drafted into the Soviet/Hungarian Army where he was assigned as a radio communications operator. He quickly mastered this skill and during the 1956 Hungarian revolution he was crucial in helping many refugees escape the country to safety. With great excitement and risks, Bill began a journey for a new life in a country filled with opportunities. He arrived in Winnipeg, Manitoba with $5.00 in his pocket from the Red Cross. He quickly adapted to Canadian Culture, learning the language and contributing to society. For this he was forever grateful that he was given a new start in life. Starting as a sewing factory worker he was quickly promoted to a business manager. In the early 70's Bill and Marla decided to go west to BC to start a small paper converting company which provided them with a very good life until its closure in 2006. Bill always said "that his greatest rewards were in helping others and the meeting of many wonderful associates and friends over the years". In 2000 his dreams came true as his girls joined the business to see it through to the next chapter. He was always proud and supportive of his family. Bill truly loved the nature and outdoors, and spent much of his free time hiking, camping, hunting and fishing, and boating. In his life he was pleased to have the opportunities to travel and see the world with his family. His biggest highlight was going on Safari in S. Africa at the age of 55 which was always a special story he loved to share with everyone. Those that knew Bill always appreciated his stories with great enthusiasm for life. Please join the family to share in a "Celebration of Life" at the Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre, 14831 - 28th Avenue, Surrey, BC 604-536-6522 on Saturday, June 2nd, 2007 at 1:00 pm. The family would like to especially thank Dr. D. Lowe and all the incredibly caring and compassionate nurses at Fraser Health - Home Health Services. In his memory donations may be made to the Fraser Valley Cancer Centre (BC Cancer Agency) 604-940-4083.