Bethlen Almanac 1997 (Ligonier)
Halottaink
as the “preacher with the golden words.” During school breaks, especially at Christmas time, Bill would also preach in his beloved home village, Szamosszeg, at social gatherings, such as the “fonó”. He would also tutor during school breaks and summer vacations most of the young candidates of Szamosszeg who wanted to enroll in the Reformed Gimnázium of Debrecen. He was very active in the literary club of the Gimnázium and the recipient of several literary awards. As a collector of folklore from the Szamosszeg region, Szatmár County, he received one of the most coveted awards of the Ministry of Culture. Upon graduation from the Gimnázium in 1946, he entered medical school and finished the first year only, because in 1947, he came to America, following his father’s footsteps and those of other relatives. After his arrival here, Bill continued his college education which was interrupted by the Korean War. He served in the US Army for two years and was honorably discharged as Sergeant. During his tour of duties in Germany, Bill renewed his pen-pal relationship with his Finnish sweetheart that he had started when he was 16 years old. The renewed relationship ended with his marrying the lovely Onerva Ullven in Germany in 1951. At the end of Korean War, he resumed his college education and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers University in 1957. Bill entered the fraternal life insurance business in 1963. From 1963 to 1968, he was with the William Penn Association. From 1968 on, he worked for the Federation and held the positions of agent, branch manager, section manager, district manager, area manager, and national coordinator. In 1984 and 1988 Bill was elected national treasurer. During his tenure as treasurer, he enriched the Federation with his broad knowledge of financial matters and initiated several programs that brought the Federation up-to-date in the life insurance industry. Bill served the Federation for 25 years with distinction and dedication. He had a brilliant mind. Had he stayed in Hungary, he would have become one of the best physicians in the country. By coming to America in 1947, his outlook on life changed completely, and he became a pragmatist. He believed that ideas have value only in terms of their practical consequences and that results are the sole test of the validity or truth of one’s beliefs. Throughout his life in Hungary or in America, he was known for his willingness to help and assist all those who turned to him in their need. He will be missed not only by his beloved wife, Ovi, his son, Bill, his sister, Julia, his granddaughter Kati, his daughter-in-law Linda, but by all who knew him. His memory we will always cherish.” George Dózsa 267
