Page 7 - May 2007 The Game

Canada’s Thoroughbred Racing Newspaper The Game, May 2007 7
Albert Varga:
Born Hungary, November 30, 1936 Died Toronto, April 13, 2007
Albert Varga
With a single dramatic, but intentional leap of despair on Friday April 13, 70 year old Albert Varga simultaneously ended both his life and his pain. Five days later, in the recreation room behind the kitchen where he had worked, over 100 of his friends and fellow workers remembered the quiet, easy- natured man.
Track Chaplain Shawn Kennedy conducted a brief and dignified service and several people passed on their memories of Albert. As we were reminded of what a gentle and generous individual he was, there were more than just a few tears shed.
Chaplain Shawn referred to Albert as an ‘institution.’
“Just the fact that he been here so many years made him an institution,” said Kennedy.
“Maybe you take it for granted after a while. That, to me is what Albert was. He was always here. What an impact he had on so many lives. If you’re going to be here for 50 years, you’re going to reach a few lives. It’s a shame how he passed, but it’s amazing to see the impact that he had on people.”
Holly Glabb was unable to hold back her tears as she recalled the man she considered her best friend.
“I met Albert about three years ago at the Indian Lake campground,” said Holly, “When I first met Albert, he mentioned that he liked bingo and he invited me to go with him right away and we were bingo buddies right from the beginning and from there our friendship evolved.”
Holly was swept up in emotion as she remembered her final encounter with Albert, a mere day before he died.
“I work at the beer store and he came in and dropped off six empty bottles and didn’t buy anything,” she said sadly. “I walked him outside and I gave him a hug and told him I loved him like I always did. Thank goodness. Then he told me that he loved me too and I watched him drive away. That was the last time I saw him”
Vic Sichenko, a backstretch groom had only kind words as he recalled Albert.
“My memory is that he was a quiet person,” said Sichenko. “Back here, there are so many aggressive people, but he was quiet
and never said too much. That’s what I liked about him.”
Adolph Dittfach’s endeavors as a jockey’s agent meant he would run into Albert frequently.
“He liked the World Cup, especially if Hungary was in there,” said Dittfach of the Hungarian native. “Overall, he would always give and most of the time, somebody needed some money. Most of the time he was always reaching to help someone out. I don’t think he would ever come up and say, ‘hey you owe me 20.’ If you paid him back fine, if you didn’t pay him back, it was just part of the racetrack to Albert.”
Chaplain Shawn had comforting words for the friends of Albert who might feel they could have helped him before his settled on his personal solution.
“You’re always going to ask that question,” said Kennedy. “But in the end, he makes the final choice. There was a sense of hopelessness, obviously and when people make that choice, usually there’s not much you can do.”
Hopefully, most of the people who knew him will hold a memory of Albert in better times. Holly says she remembers him with awe.
“It was his kindness, his soft spoken voice and his unselfishness,” she says. “His willingness to help anybody and never ask for anything in return.”
One comment was heard several times during the memorial for Albert Varga.
At least now he’s not in pain.
Albert
When there is no one
to turn to
Pain is a dreadful thing That’s why I know it hurts Ashes to Ashes
Dirt to dirt
For what it’s worth! Hoping your pain has turned to joy
And your hurting is over now
In the big kitchen now wearing a white shirt This poem is to remember you here on earth!
Peace be with you Albert
~ Errol Farquharson ~
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