We Remember
MOLNAR, Josef
—
Passed away on June 3, 2016 at the age of 91 years. He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Elizabeth Molnar; grandson Joe (Alanna) Molnar; great grandchildren Cheyenne, Emelia, Hunter and Liam; niece Eva Suru and family; as well as many extended family in Hungary. He is predeceased by his son Joseph F. Molnar (January 25, 2014). After tossing the Star of Stalin from the roof of his workplace in protest, Josef and his family had to flee Hungary. They arrived in Halifax in 1957 and travelled across Canada, eventually settling in Vancouver. Josef was a professional soccer player, playing on various All Star teams throughout the world. He began a career coaching soccer at UBC which lasted 29 years. The family then moved to Kelowna in 1990, where he continued to coach locally. Soccer was his life! He also loved to spend time with his great grandchildren. The true love of his life, however, was his wife Elizabeth. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 696 Glenmore Road, Kelowna beginning with viewing at 10:30 am, followed by a Funeral Service at 11:30 am and interment at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery. For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or share memories, may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Visitation
Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at 10:30 am
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
(696 Glenmore Road, Kelowna, BC )
Service
Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at 11:30 am
Location
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Joe was an enthusiastic, positive influence on those of us playing for the UBC Thunderbirds in the late 60’s early 70’s. He had a knowledge of game strategy and skills. He obviously loved the game and mentoring us. He took a special delight in celebrating my Hungarian heritage and made sure my team mates knew that all Hungarians had “hot blood.”
Joe was an enthusiastic, positive influence on those of us playing for the UBC Thunderbirds in the late 60’s early 70’s. He had a knowledge of game strategy and skills. He obviously loved the game and mentoring us. He took a special delight in celebrating my Hungarian heritage and made sure my team mates knew that all Hungarians had “hot blood.”
A little note to express my sincere condolences to you, your grandmother and extended family. I hope you can find peace in the weeks to come to help you get through these trying times. My thoughts are with you. We care lots.
Signed: Doreen Chalmers (Wayne’s friend in Kamloops)
Very saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. I remember him well when I played at U.B.C. In the early 70’s. I loved his passion for the game and his caring nature for all the players he worked with as a coach. He will be missed but I know he is running the sidelines in heaven, right now, encouraging his heavenly team players to be “strong like bulls!” God bless you Joe.
Photo taken at U.B.C. Soccer reunion a few years ago. From left to right, Jimmy Hunter, Craig Campbell, Joe Molnar, Ron Hurley. It was a great day on the pitch and Joe gave a very heart warming speech to the players, past and present.
Joe is remembered by many in the UBC Soccer fraternity as a passionate and knowledgable coach who had a profound impact upon numerous soccer players who came through the UBC program. I consider myself fortunate to have met and known Joe as I came to UBC as a student athlete just prior to his retirement in the late 1980’s.
From the UBC Soccer community, our condolences to the family, he will not be forgotten.
For those of us who were involved with the Okanagan Challenge Soccer Club, it is with heavy hearts that we heard of Joe’s passing. His dedication to the game and his desire to make us all better players were appreciated. Joe was a special man who made a huge impact on the game of soccer throughout British Columbia by sharing his wisdom and passion with so many players. We send our condolences to his family.