Past Presidents of the HVA

A brief biography of the Hungarian Veterans’ Association Calgary Chapter presidents.  The military rank names are used from 1945. Some of the officers received and accepted their promotion in 1990, which they should have received in 1945.

The letter “v” preceding some names stands for “vitéz” which translates to “valiant” and it is an honour granted for military service and acts of bravery. The Vitéz Order was established in 1920.

v. Duska László. Captain and Chief of Staff. Graduate of the Royal Hungarian Ludovika Military Academy. President 1951-1953. He initiated and was co-founder of the Hungarian Veterans’ Association Calgary Chapter and was its first president; served as the Canadian association president in the 1960s. He was the recipient of the Medal for Bravery and Order of the Hungarian Knights. One of the main organizers of the Széchenyi Society and became the Chairman of the Education Committee. Established by the Széchenyi Society, the László T. Duska Memorial Fellowship is awarded to a University of Toronto graduate student in the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures whose research is focused in Hungarian Studies.[i]

Szentgrothy Tibor. Captain. President 1953-1954. Because of his short residence in Calgary, there is no other information available. 

Fülöpp József. Major. Graduate of the Royal Hungarian Ludovica Defense Academy.  President 1954-1963. Co-founder of the Hungarian Veterans’ Association Calgary Chapter. Canadian association president 1969-1979. Helped to settle the 1956 Hungarian Revolution refugees. First president of the Hungária Gala Ball. President of the Széchenyi Society 1966-1984. Undertook leadership roles in many other Hungarian organizations. He is the recipient of numerous awards. 

v. Sebő Ernő. Reserve lieutenant. President 1963-1967, 1969-1971, 1973-1977. Recipient of the Medal for Bravery; Member of the Johanniter Knight Legal Order; and member of many Canadian Hungarian organizations. He held leadership roles at the Calvin Hungarian Presbyterian Church and was respected for his community involvement.     

v. Balogh József. Lieutenant. President 1967-1969. He was sent to Finland on a special mission by the Air Force at which time he received a Medal for Bravery. He was a very active member of the Hungarian community—belonging to many organizations and recipient of several commendations.

Dr. Kiss Gyula. Captain. President 1971-1973. Graduate of the Royal Hungarian Ludovica Defense Academy. Served as Central Director of the Royal Hungarian Gendarmerie from 1978-1994, and initiated the Calgary Gendarme Chapter. Editor of the Bajtársi Levél, an international publication to connect former Gendarmes. He was an active member in many other Hungarian organizations.

Zsitvay Sándor. Officer Cadet. President 1977-1983. Attended cadet school to pursue a career in the army. He was known for his proficiency in organizing the annual Hungarian commemorations as well as the Hungária Gala Ball. He was involved with other Hungarian organizations and was often recognized for his contributions to these groups.     

Daniel János. President 1983-1991. He did not have a military background, but was a young man eager to work hard and take on the challenge of being the Association’s president. He embraced technology and bought the Association’s first computer and printer. He was also a member of other Hungarian organizations and successfully worked together with them.   

Varga László. Non-commissioned Officer. President 1991-1994. He organized many of the Veterans’ commemorative evenings.  He specialized in organizing the Borbála suppers—a traditional night honouring the Gunners, whose patron Saint, was Saint Barbara. He was also a member of other Hungarian organizations. 

Szojka András, P. Eng. Interim President 1994-1995. He was a young member who temporarily accepted the presidency. András was actively engaged in the Hungarian community and especially in activities involving youth.

Magas István. Lieutenant. Graduate of the Royal Hungarian Ludovica Defense Academy. President 1995-2000. Also, president of the Hungarian Freedom Fighters World Federation 1984-2000 until his death. Served as North American president of the Hungarian Coordinating Committee of Human Rights, 1975-1979 and 1985-1989. Under his presidency the visiting rights for the fallen freedom fighters’ graves was permitted for the first time. He was also a recognized leader of many other organizations and recipient of numerous awards.

Várvizi József. President 2001-2023. He took over the presidency at a very crucial time after the sudden passing of Magas István. A dedicated president that worked hard to engage Calgary’s Hungarian youth. He holds the presidency for the HVA Canadian Chapter. He was also the Calgary president of the Hungarian Freedom Fighters World Federation from 1995- 2001 at which time the organization ceased operations. He is an active member of other Hungarian organizations and the recipient of several awards.   

Becskei Róbert. President 2023 – present. He took over a highly successful volunteer association with the mission to involve a greater number of youths in leadership roles, as the number of veterans has diminished. Along with the members of HVA he worked to renew the association under a new name while honouring its history and preserving its momentum forward. Róbert immigrated to Canada with his parents in 1974 and became an active member of the Hungarian community. He is an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer and a successful businessman.

Past HVA presidents at the Gala in 1996

Left to right: Zsitvay Sándor (1977-1983), Varga László (1991-1994) Dr. Kiss Gyula (1971-1973), Biró Pál (treasurer), Magas István (1995-2000)