Laszlo Anthony was born on February 22, 1960 in Manchester, England to parents Laszlo and Kathleen (Smylie) Guta. He joined older sister Gizella (1959) and was later followed by siblings Steven (1961), Caroline (1963), Lajos (1966) and Ed (1969). In 1965, the Guta family immigrated to Canada and settled in the Kitchener Waterloo area. Here Laszlo attended public school until their father’s work took them to Kincardine for a short stay before settling in Southampton. Laszlo attended and graduated from Saugeen District Secondary School before aspiring to join the steamfitter’s trade. He joined Local 527 in 1982. In 1985, work was scarce, and he faced many challenges throughout this time period. He also explored opportunities in other fields, whether it be taking a different career path, going back to school for computer programming or just sticking it out and move away from his family and friends to finish his apprenticeship in Darlington. He took the opportunity in Darlington and soon became a licensed steamfitter.
Laszlo loved Ping Pong and it was this passion that allowed him to meet his future wife, Sandra. In fact, on numerous occasions, he would go to the high school at the end of the day to play against his younger brothers, Lajos and Ed. The two met when Sandra retrieved a lost ping pong ball only to have her return it to him. The year was 1984. In time, the two began dating, however, their age difference presented some challenges. Their love and commitment to one another was very obvious, and they soon received the full support of their families. The couple were married on July 1, 1989, at Immanuel Evangelical Missionary Church in Paisley and had just celebrated 30 years of marriage earlier this month.
They settled in Paisley and became very active in the church, working side-by-side as youth leaders as well as being involved in the Sunday School. They welcomed Aaron in 1991, with Alyssa and Samuel following in 1994 and 1997, respectively. Being in the trades, Laszlo often had to go wherever the work was which meant that at times he was away from his young family. However, the kids have many fond memories of Mr. Mom, when he was laid off. He and the kids often frequented Beachway for treats and Laszlo will be forever remembered for serving them Turkey TV dinners. Yep, you read that right, it covered all the main food groups and included stuffing and a cherry dessert. During these years, he taught the kids all he knew and instilled in them his passion for fishing, golfing, soccer and of course, table tennis. During the kids’ youth, he spent time as a soccer coach and hockey trainer. In the warm summer months, Laszlo loved taking a dip in their swimming pool, another activity he enjoy with the kids.
As the kids grew, so did Laszlo’s tastes. He became fascinated with movies, particularly Sci-Fi, superhero, action or comedy. This attraction encouraged him to open Uptown Video in Paisley, whereby he got to make money and watch movies at the same time. However, Laszlo didn’t forget about the munchies, so no better way to figure out what you were going to need to stock than try all the opinions, right? Apparently, Oh Henry’s, Coffee Crisps and the odd can of Coke were particular favourites. His passion for movies led to quite the collection at home. When watching TV it was usually X-files, Star Trek or Seinfield unless Sandra was with him, whereby they especially enjoyed America’s Got Talent and most recently Island of Bryan when together. Laszlo also loved any form of electronic, gadget or sound system. He taught the boys their love of gaming and would often join in to play against them and their friends, as the “Fat Jedi.”
Laszlo loved spending quality time with his family. The Guta family enjoyed many family trips together. They spent time in Florida at Panama City Beach, Indian Shores and Disney. They also experienced parts of Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Vegas together. He and his siblings also had a particular fondness for karaoke and dancing shall we say. None of them were afraid to perform solo either, whether it be with a mic in hand or on the dance floor. Laszlo perfected a rather memorable shuffle, conveniently named the “Laszlo Shuffle” whereby most of the dancing was done with his upper body. If you want some more stories about these memorable escapades just ask his family. In addition to being a loving and devoted husband and a caring father, Laszlo was also a role model and pillar of strength for his siblings. Throughout his life, he constantly provided physical, emotional and spiritual strength and encouragement that would help them through the best and worst times of their lives. Laszlo was what a brother should be; there by your side when you are low and quick to put you in your place when you are too high. O ya and apparently a little laughter doesn’t hurt either. He had a great sense of humour and loved to joke around. Sometimes he would make fun of himself, or maybe poke fun at another but the sarcasm was usually intended to allow those around him to relax and diffuse stressful situations. In 2017, he became a proud Papa and enjoyed sharing his love of song and dance, often watching children dance-along-songs with Levi.
Things you might not know about Laszlo. First, he never left home without his flashlight or bat, just ask Sandra or the kids for stories! He was always thinking outside the box and loved to contemplate and discuss conspiracy theories. Coldplay and U2 were his favourite bands, as the kids recall viewing (and listening to) countless concerts on the TV. He could also a bit of an impulse buyer of quality items, something he passed down to Aaron never to cheap out. If he liked it and wanted it he bought it! This could have been something for himself, his children or any other individual in his life that would benefit from it. He had a big heart and always wanted to help others out whenever he could. Laszlo also loved to ride motorcycles, particular Harley Davidsons. After having a bike in his late teens, he got another in the fall of 2012. His real goal, however, was to own a Harley Davidson, which came true in 2016.
Laszlo retired from Bruce Power in December of 2017, as a Front Line Manager Maintenance. Retirement was supposed to mean spending more time with friends and family, but his original diagnosis of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) in 2017 was causing more and more health issues. He had overcoming his first scare, Colon Cancer, in 2010 and was up to the challenge. PSC causes one’s bile ducts to progressively decrease in size due to inflammation and scarring until the bile cannot exit the liver, causing permanent liver damage. Sadly in recent months, Laszlo’s condition worsened and without a transplant, there were little options. Unfortunately, for all of us, a transplant was not in Laszlo’s cards. He was, however, a man of great faith, always believing in the Lord. His memory for scripture was amazing and we must remember that God has been faithful to us through many difficult situations and we must trust that He will be faithful as we travel this journey called life. In his final days, Sandra cared, comforted and consoled Laszlo, reminding him of the Footprints in the sand… the Lord was carrying him and He will now help carry us through this difficult time.
Trust in the LORD with ALL your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3: 5-6
This scripture verse was extremely important to Laszlo. So much so, that he cut each of these letters out to have placed on the wall in the Church when he and Sandra were married. He lived by these words and would want us to consider them as well as we continue down this path, called life, without him.
Laszlo passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at the age of 59. He is now at peace in Heaven, soaring like an eagle. Isaiah 40:31
Beloved husband and best friend of Sandra (Caldwell). Loving father of Aaron (Sarah), Alyssa (Matt), Samuel and grandfather of Levi and Jaxon. Laszlo will be dearly missed by his siblings Gizella Weber, Steven, Caroline (Garry) Johnston, Lajos (Terresa), Ed (Teresa) and their families. He will also be fondly remembered by Sandra’s siblings Stephen (Amanda) Caldwell and Susan Caldwell (David Camp) and their families. Laszlo was predeceased by his parents Laszlo and Kathleen (Smylie) Guta and his parents-in-law Lynn and Marguerite Caldwell.
Visitation will be held at Immanuel Evangelical Missionary Church, Paisley (307 Balaklava St.) on Friday, July 26, 2019 from 5 – 9 p.m. where a funeral service celebrating Laszlo’s life will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 11 a.m. Interment in Lovat Cemetery, Bruce Township.
Memorial donations to the Canadian Liver Foundation or your local hospital would be appreciated. In honour of Laszlo, please consider signing up to be an organ donor. You can save lives!
