Doka, Tibor
In loving memory of Ferenc Tibor Doka
March 18, 1937 – January 25, 2025It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved “Papa” at AgeCare Willowgrove at the age of 87.
He is survived by his wife and best friend Margit, his children Susan (Tim Pascoe), Anita and David, and his cherished grandchildren Ryan, Graham, Piper, Nixon, Simone and Matthew.
Tibor was born in Dejtar, a small village north of Budapest in Hungary. The second youngest of five children, and only boy, Tibor spoke often of his childhood memories, adventures and challenges. He was active in many sports, and he was a gymnast. In his later teen years, he attended a technical school where he learned electronics instrumentation. His path in life changed abruptly due to the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. At the young age of 19, he, like thousands of other Hungarians, made a perilous journey out of the country in search of a better life. Tibor entered Canada as a refugee and he met up with his cousin Julius in Welland, Ontario. Together they eventually headed north to the Thunder Bay area. This became their new home where they worked hard for many years in the logging and pulp and paper industries while learning English.
After years of correspondence with Margit, she joined Tibor in Canada in 1965 and they wed on December 18, 1965. Together they worked hard as immigrants to build a life in many areas of Ontario including Red Rock, Sarnia, Forest, Brantford and finally Hamilton.
Throughout his life Tibor boldly pursued his interests and accomplished many goals using his knowledge, creativity and drive. He single-handedly designed and built an addition that doubled the size of his house in Forest. He planted countless trees, creating wooded areas, an orchard and a huge garden on their rural property. Tibor was the ultimate handyman at home and professionally at Dow Chemical as an Instrument Mechanic. His coworkers nicknamed him “The Doctor” as that’s who they would have to call when no one else could fix it. Tibor was passionate about anything related to nature and he loved being outdoors. He took up golfing in his forties and encouraged his family’s participation and love of the sport. He enjoyed following many sports together with Margit. After retirement, he loved being a part of the groundskeeping crew and general handyman at Indian Hills Golf Club in Ipperwash, ON (now Lambton Shores)
Tibor was incredibly dedicated to his family and was always available when needed. He designed and built many pieces of furniture for his home and later his children’s homes. In his children’s and grandchildren’s early years he fostered learning and discovery through active play and engagement. Papa could always be counted on to add his unique perspective on topics and to look for a laugh with his numerous “Dad jokes”. No matter what his age, he never lost his inner child, his sense of humour and his zest for life. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to dementia research through the Alzheimer Society of Canada or to AgeCare Willowgrove in Hamilton, ON.
As per Tibor’s wishes, his remains will be cremated by Passages Eco Conscious Cremation and Burial Inc. There are no plans to have a formal ceremony outside of his family honouring him with a private celebration of life.
