Reti, Paul: May 24th, 1919 - June 11th, 2015 Paul Reti passed away peacefully at the age of 96 in Kelowna, BC, with his devoted wife Margaret, at his side - holding hands as they did on their first New Year's Eve together in Budapest, Hungary. Known for his vision, tenacity, relentless energy, yet gentle and philosophical nature, Paul was an inspiration and much loved by all who knew him. Making only friends and never enemies, he was always the consummate diplomat and peacemaker. Born to Bela and Erzsebet, Paul spent his youth in Romania, inseparable from his older brother, Gyuri. As an adult he moved to Budapest and after successfully working for several years, returned to University at night to earn his degree in Foreign Commerce from the University of Budapest. Possessing a unique combination of harmonious negotiating skills and humanitarianism, he quickly rose to the top of the Ministry of Raw Material Imports and Exports for Hungary. In 1957, he and his young family escaped from Hungary for political reasons. They embarked on a new life in Canada, where Paul, a tireless worker, went from his first job in Calgary toiling at menial jobs in a chicken slaughterhouse, to steadily improving his situation by becoming owner of Hillside Grocery and later, Lakeview Variety Store. Lakeview residents still remember his humor and love of storytelling. Financially astute, Paul amassed a portfolio of rental properties. Later in his life, at age 56, he became a residential Real Estate Appraiser until he retired at 75. During this time, he appraised some 36,000 homes. His exceptional family life included Okanagan summers and California winters. Always a man of his word, Paul encouraged his children and grandchildren to be respectful towards all people, regardless of their personal circumstance. He was generous with those less fortunate, from extending credit to needy families in the grocery store, to treating tenants with fairness and loyalty. Paul loved to grow things, like the palm tree seedlings that now tower in his living room and the beautiful blue spruce he chose for his final resting place. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Margaret; four children: Alexander, George (Marilyn), Judith (Roland Plessis), and Elisabeth (Brian Dickinson); twelve grandchildren: (Reti) Natalie, Julianne, Christina, Jordan, Justin, (Plessis) Suzanne, Olivier, Nadine, Isabelle, (Dickinson) Samantha, Anne, and Evan. He also leaves behind an ever-increasing number of great-grandchildren. The loving, equal relationship enjoyed between Paul and Margaret greatly influenced the entire family, earning everyone's respect and admiration. He will be deeply missed by all of us. The family extends very special thanks to the incredible and caring staff at Ethel Glen in Cottonwoods, and all the people who helped us greatly in the last three years of Paul's life journey. To leave an online condolence to the family, please visit: www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com Arrangements in care of First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC. 250-762-2299
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