John (Janos) Wild Villanyi peacefully passed away on Saturday, July 22nd, 2023, at 91, with his wife Donna by his side. He will forever be fondly remembered by his loving wife of 58 years, Donna. He is survived by his son, Michael; daughter-in-law, Pernille; grandsons, Maximus and Dexter; and son, Lawrence.
He is also survived by his sister, Betty and her family in Hungary; sister-in-law, Brenda Barradell and her family in Red Deer, Alberta, including Kimberley, Chelsea, Kari (Rodney); brother-in-law, David Nagel and son, Brendan from Quesnel, B.C.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends in both Hungary and Canada.
John was preceded in death by his father, Boldizsar Wild; mother, Erzsebet Viktoria Reisz; sisters, Klara (in Germany) and Helen (in Hungary); father-in-law, Albert Nagel; and mother-in-law, Gladys Nagel.
In 1957, John fled Hungary to Canada, where he built a fulfilling life with his wife and family. After 19 years, he could return to a heartwarming reunion with his parents and sisters in Hungary and visited home multiple times after that.
John was a proud member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 488 for over 60 years. Many knew him as “John the Jeweler,” as he meticulously crafted stainless jeweler that found its way onto people’s fingers around the globe. He deposited the earnings from his jeweler into a special bank account dubbed “The Ring Account,” using it to journey between Hungary and other destinations. John also loved picking berries and could be seen many summer afternoons along the roadways picking Nan King Cherries, Saskatoons, or other berries, which he turned into juice or wine. He loved his garden and shared it with many neighbours along Gainsborough Ave in St. Albert, where he and the family lived for 50 years!
The family wishes to thank Dr. Siva Rajoo and Dr. Ben Macedo as well as the staff of the Sturgeon Hospital and the Youville Home for the care given to John while in their care.
An informal gathering to honour John will take place on Sunday, August 27th, from 2-5 at Mission Hill Grande. 415-78A McKenney Ave, St. Albert, AB T8N7E6, Buzzer 9000, South Entrance
Cremation has already taken place.
Emelie says
I wish I could be with you today. I liked John from the first time I met him. He was so willing to be part of our family. We could always find something interesting to talk about even though he loved to tease me and always wanted to marry me off.
Love to you all.
Emelie