Obituary of Gyula Julius Baji

July 12, 1927 -  Békés,  Hungary

August 5, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Julius Baji of Calgary, AB, passed away on August 5, 2023 at the age of 96 years.

Julius was born in Békés, Hungary on July 12, 1927 and married Maria Baji (nee Kallay) in 1953.

During the Hungarian Revolution in 1956, Julius was the driving force in leaving Hungary.  He, along with Maria and their children George, and Gabe made the move despite the dangers their escape posed.  Our family is lucky to have record of their perilous journey in the form of a daily journal kept by Julius.  When they arrived in Canada, Julius and Maria were determined to make a good life for their family in their new country.

They started their Canadian life in Lethbridge, AB, where they added one more son Julius to their family and they moved to Calgary, AB, in 1967. As Julius was an avid fisherman, he and Maria moved to Campbell River, B.C. in 1980 for the salmon fishing. They then moved to Parksville, BC, in 1998 where they resided until 2022, when they moved back to Calgary, AB, to be closer to family.

Julius was an extremely hard worker and was proud of the fact that they were able to purchase their own home within a couple of years after arrival in Canada.  He was able to use the carpentry skills he learned in Hungary to make a living in construction and later used his talents to become a self-employed finishing carpenter. He built some stunning wood furniture and cabinetry for many businesses and homes on Vancouver Island.  He also made furniture including dining room suites for his son’s families, which are treasured to this day.

Upon retirement in the late 90’s, Julius developed a passion for gardening and could be seen proudly tending his flowers, fruit trees and vegetables in the spring and summer months in Parksville.  They canned much of what they grew, to enjoy over the winter months.

Julius is survived by his son Julius (Pam), daughter-in-law Barbara, grandchildren David, Ian, Robin, Jennifer, Amanda, Justin, and Nick; great-grandchildren Peyton, Finn, Ady, Kaydee, Myrissa, Joel, and Amelia.

Julius is also survived by his brother-in-law Gyuri, nieces Erica, and Susan, and their families. Julius was predeceased by his wife Maria, sons George, and Gabriel, daughter-in-law Pat, and sister-in-law Edith.

Condolences, memories, and photos can be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Salvation Army, which was always close to the Baji’s hearts, providing tremendous support when they arrived in Canada (1731 29th Street SW Calgary, AB, T3C 1M6) online at www.salvationarmy.ca, or by phone 403-410-1112.

In living memory of Julius Baji, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.