Obituary of Ferenc Pados

Ferenc Pados, of Calgary, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at the age of 84 years. Born in Irsha, Hungary on June 3, 1922, Franz was the youngest of nine children. He very much looked up to his six brothers and two sisters, all of which predeceased him. Deeply influenced by his elder brother Jozsef, who raised him after the early passing of his mother, Franz participated enthusiastically in the family bicycle manufacturing business and excelled at racing bicycles and later motorcycles. He entered University to study Engineering, but his education was cut short by Hungary’s entry into WWII. Always dreaming of going to England, Franz was offered travel papers to do just so as the war came to an end. Armed with both his intense desire to excel and the engineering know-how garnered from the family business and university, Franz quickly made his mark in England as an innovative motorcycle developer who proved his designs in competition at the world level. Despite many challenges he made his mark and received well-earned recognition from his peers in England, the cradle of motorcycle engineering at that time. In 1952 the burgeoning young country of Canada came calling for a man of his talent, the end-product being a lifetime of pride and satisfaction for many Calgarians in the form of scooters, motorcycles and foreign automobiles. Young people are passionate about motoring, and Franz will always be a fixture in the minds of Calgarians from all walks of life for not only providing the machine but the countless hours of tutelage to operate it properly and with respect. A progressive man, Franz chose to never look back. Through much hard work and with the friendship of many kind people, Franz developed wonderful long-term relationships with his customers. These friends became his family and Franz was able to build a wonderful business and personal life in the place that became his final destination. A founding member of the Calgary Sports Car Club, a lifetime member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, and a consultant to the Alberta Government on transportation matters ranging from driver competence to airship practicality, Franz devoted much of his time and passion to fostering automobile sport and furthering automobile safety. Franz is remembered by his son, Frank Pados; daughter and son-in-law, Marsha and Rick Gelowitz; and the apple of his eye, his grandson Joseph; as well as many nieces and nephews throughout Europe. Dad, the best part about heaven is that there are no speed limits….. Please join us for a celebration of a truly amazing and rewarding life Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Friday, February 9, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Saturday, February 10, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119-14th St. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. In living memory of Ferenc Pados, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.