HUY, John Huy

Born in Klek, Yugoslavia on October 10th 1931.  His humble upbringing is a poor, rural and chaotic part of the world, instilled in him a drive to make things better.  He did so for everyone he met and all those whom he would come to love.  His late wife Anne of 57years (2009), was the true light and gift to his life, his beloved only daughter Teresa (1985) and his two surviving sons, Howard and John, were what was always most important to him.   He also deeply appreciated the companionship of Vlasta Hudec.  He passed so peacefully surrounded by his family at home on Thursday.  He praised his daughter’s -in-law Zora and Cynthia who blessed him with 7 grandchildren and their spouses: Addison & Yongyi, Tess & Ara, Serena and Renee & Peter, Elena, Annamarie and Tomas.   He was so very proud of each and every one of them.  His excitement only grew when his three great children were born in the past 3 years, Leila, Miya, and Niko.  John was the loving brother to his late sisters, Katie Brady and Marian Kos and the only son of his parents John and Ann.

In his almost 94 years, John Huy accomplished more than he could ever have imagined coming to this country in 1948.  Through his hard physical work, his relentless drive to provide a better life for his family and his keen insight into farming and particularly the greenhouse business, he transformed an industry.   His contribution to agriculture has been recognized nationally and internationally.  We have always been so very proud of him for so many reasons.  He taught by example, providing a template work ethic that was hard to match.  He loved us all fiercely, no doubt even at times when we did not deserve it.  Above all it was family that mattered the most.  In his last words he told us this very thing and that we need to stay together.  For the boy who had to flee a war-torn part of the world and see so many families torn apart, his last wish was for us to stay together.

He liked the song by Frank Sinatra “I Did It My Way”.  He certainly did.  An example of what can be achieved when you work hard, learn constantly and love deeply.  Opa, we will miss you more than you know.  We will strive to live out your legacy in a manner that would have made you proud.  We will see each other again.  We love you.

Visiting at the Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) on Saturday September 13, 9 -11 a.m.  Services will be at Reid Funeral Home at 11am, lunch to follow.  Memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Canadian Cancer Society. Friends may send condolences at www.reidfuneralhome.ca