This obituary is protected by copyright by Flinn Funeral Services Ltd, proudly serving West Central Alberta, Canada. All rights reserved.
Jun 9, 1941 - Dec 2, 2024
Sunday, December 15, 2024
1:30 pm
Sunset Room of the Best Western, Chateaux Inn, Sylvan Lake
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Nicholas Csaba Beermann. Nicholas passed away peacefully at the Red Deer Hospital on December 2, 2024, after a very sudden and brief illness, with his wife and children by his side.
Nicholas was born on June 9, 1941, and grew up in Sopron, Hungary, the youngest son of Irma and Gusztav Beermann. In 1956, at the age of 15, his family escaped Hungary when the Russians returned to crush the freedom fighters of the Hungarian Revolution. His family settled in Calgary where, as he tells it, he went into the “agriculture business” after graduation as he pursued sowing his wild oats in the USA. On his return to Canada, he met his wife Ildiko in 1965. It was an instant attraction for both and love at first sight. They were married for 56 years.
Nicholas could build or fix anything. He spent much of his working years in the construction industry and owned his own contracting company. His hands built so many things in and around Calgary, luxury houses from scratch to beautiful renovations. He also owned and beautified many real estate holdings and was always interested and engaged in investing and growing wealth. He was truly a man of many talents. He also loved to share his know-how with others and was an excellent teacher to many who sought his guidance on virtually any topic.
Though his family was always his first priority, Nicholas had a love of adventure. Traveling had a very special place in his heart and he explored so many corners of the world during his life. He particularly loved Panama and the house they had built and enjoyed there for 17 years. He was always happiest under the hot sun, in the pool, protected by his large sun hat.
His love of adventure showed in the hobbies that he pursued. In his younger years, you might find him gliding through the skies, roaring down the highway on a motorcycle, or sailing on beautiful waters. His first sailboat he built himself and then later he and Ildiko enjoyed sailing on the 24’ Old Yeller at Ghost Lake. Always a captain at heart, he also enjoyed the south of France navigating Friendship, a 45’ yacht, through the canals and locks for seven years.
Beyond his love of adventure, Nicholas had a contagious joy for life that extended to the people around him. Those who knew Nicholas will remember him for his quick wit, warmth, laughter, and bright loving smile. Everyone loved spending time with him, whether a quiet evening with friends or a family gathering, and Nicholas loved being with his people. He cared deeply for the people that he surrounded himself with and would always do anything to bring them happiness and smiles. Perhaps that is why he became the connoisseur of loud print shirts, pink berets, handlebar mustaches, bright colours, or anything else that he wore that tickled his fancy. His zest for the good life and the joy that it brings was evident every day that he lived.
Though he has left us so close to the holidays, Nicholas will always be remembered for his deep love of Christmas; a season he cherished for its warmth, joy, and the spirit of giving that mirrored his own heart. He would listen to Christmas music any time of year, watch each and every cheesy Christmas movie he could DVR and, of course, beg for the Christmas tree to be up at least until spring.
Nicholas leaves to mourn his wife Ildiko; son Nick and wife Christine as well as grandchildren Jacksen and Clara; daughter Candice and granddaughter Nicole. He also leaves behind his brother Peter and his wife Louise, as well as many nephews and nieces and close friends.
A celebration of Nicholas’s life will be held in the Sunset room of the Best Western, Chateaux Inn, Sylvan Lake on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 1.30PM. Nicholas would be most pleased if everyone wore bright colours to honour the vibrant life that he lived
Cheryl Landry:
It was such a pleasure and Honour meeting You both Kind~hearted People where You were/are so Generous in assisting me here in beautiful Sylvan Lake !!
I Truly send Love and Blessings to You both, Your Family and Friends. May your light continue to shine upon Ildiko, Family and ALL! Ox~9
Ron Foster :
I wish to send my condolences on the death of Nick. I have fond memories of all of our time together in the early 70s when we were all finding our way in the world, with Don Taylor, Dick , Brigitta and the many evenings we spent as “the original friends “at the Homestead restaurant.
Val Henze:
I am very saddened to to hear that we have lost such a great man and my heart goes out to Ildiko and all the family during this time of sadness. The love and respect, Nicholas and Ildiko shared was rare and an inspiration to all who were around them. As I look back, I can only remember the happiest of times we shared in their company. Laughter, great food and meaningful conversation, were a part of every get together. So many wonderful times we were able to share together both in their home in Calgary and exploring their home and the countryside of Panama. One could not ask for a more generous, kind hearted and fun loving friend to share time with. Although we have not been together in the last few years the memory of our time together will always be a highlight in my life. Farewell my friend you will be missed.
Jackie Dyer:
Our deepest sympathies. Nicolas will be truly missed.
Rob and Jackie Dyer
Tamara Dirheimer:
Dear Ildiko and family,
My deepest thoughts accompany you during this difficult moment. I was so sad to read that Nicholas left this world but I am sure he will watch for you all from the other side.
His kindness will be my memories of him and I am sending you all my love.
Bob and Frances Kubian:
Ildiko, Nick and Candace,
We are deeply saddened to hear about the loss you and your family are experiencing. May the memories of the good times you shared with Nicholas give you comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Beverly Larsson:
My condolences to Ildiko, Nick and Christine. I was one of the lucky ones who got to explore the south of France with Nicholas and Ildiko on their yacht. I immediately felt like I was at home. I have not seen him often since then but will always cherish his friendship and hospitality.
Maria Della Rocchetta:
Dear Candice and Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your precious Dad.
May time, and the love and support of family and friends help you on your healing journey.
May he rest in the palm of the Creator's hand.
Maria Della Rocchetta
Francis and Aida Asuncion:
Aida and I felt privileged to have the friendship of Nicholas and Ildiko, sharing fond memories of our time spent in Panama post retirement and most especially on a mini reunion in 2018 at Sylvan Lake in the company of Dan and Jennifer at Becky Nielsen's residence by the lakeshore.
A bountiful and beautiful life you had Nicholas with your lovely sweetheart, Ildiko, that one could emulate.
John & Lorna Richards :
We are so sad to hear of Nicholas's passing and send our deepest condolences to Ildiko and their family.
We remember with great fondness our time together in Panama over the past 16 years. It varied widely from adventures such as visiting Fort San Lorenzo and Carnival to movie nights which inevitably involved wonderful company, food and wine. This forged special memories that will live with us forever.
Nicholas's kindness and generosity sealed our friendship and we feel privileged to have known such a wonderful person. We miss Nicholas so very much.
Lisa and Rob Smolka:
Our deepest condolences to Ildiko and family. We met Nicholas and Ildiko through the FACS sailing group. Such sad news, he was a great person, always smiling, happy and a joy to be around. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, and we hope that the passage of time will ease your sorrow. Fair winds and smooth seas Nicholas, thank you for your friendship.
Alex and Suzanne Lemmens:
Ildiko and Family;
We are so sorry to hear about Nick. He was a force of nature, that is for sure! We will always remember how kind you were and how you and Nick could light up a room just by being in it. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Big hugs, Alex and Suzanne!!
Francis ans Emma Vergara. Panamanian Adopted family :
Opappy as we called him was our neighbors since 2009 that we both moved in to our houwe in Panama. Cannot express what sorrow it is for this loss he was like a father to me and a Grandad to my daughter Emma. We loved him SOO much. We can only ask GOD to comfort Candace, Nico the granbabies and of course Omammy. He will ALWAYS have a special place in our hearts and our lives. FLY HIGH. Opapy.
God please grant peace to all of us who mourn this tremendous LOSS.
Love you Opapy.
Gabriela Berdiales Sanchez:
Dear Ildiko,
I am very sorry for your loss. Nikolas love for you and the family you guys built was his trademark. I will always remember him and sharing with you guys.
Sending you all my love and support.
Gabriela
The Jacobsen’s :
Nicholas and Ildiko were our wonderful neighbours for close to 9 years in NW Calgary. In these 9 years before we moved away from each other we enjoyed their company and our young children grew up with what always seemed like Grandparents! We always enjoyed the stories of the travels to Panama and France. Talking between the patios in the backyard as Nicholas basking in summer sun with his hat on. So many memories and the best paprika chicken you’ve ever tasted! I miss those days very much. A reminder for everyone to live with the same zest for life.
This news is so very sad. To the family, we want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers
God bless
Ginny and Steve:
Sending our deepest sympathies to you Ildiko and whole the Beermann Family. We are so very sorry to hear this sad news.
We have such fond memories of our first trip to Panama and your gracious hospitality. You will be in our heart during this difficult time.
Blessings, peace and love.
Ginny and Steve Borton.
Carol Callan and Ian:
It was an honour and privilege to be your neighbor for the past 9 years. Your warmth and humour was just the greatest in our little “hood”. Our thoughts and prayers for you Ildiko and family.
Pam Frey:
I’m very sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences.
Dr. Sally MacLean:
What a beautifully written eulogy for an outstanding, wonderful man! As described above, we counted ourselves profoundly lucky to be among the many people who loved to spend time with Nicholas (and Ildiko). We were also among the lucky few to see him in the happy place he called Panama.
How generous he was with his time, with his lifetime reflections, and his boundless enthusiasm! He always had an opinion he was eager to share, and he was ever-keen to discuss family, travel, life philosophies, and especially great beauty. It was almost instantly apparent to me that my friend Ildiko was the greatest beauty in his life, and their love story evolved into an enduring example of partnership/love for all who ever knew either of them!
Darren and I last saw Nicholas only a few months ago, and we will forever be grateful we had the time to stop in Sylvan Lake and enjoy one last terrific discussion of life’s great opportunities. We are profoundly saddened by this untimely loss for we too remember him as an avid Christmas lover, but I will always now think of him, and smile deeply at this time of year. I especially remember his description of the legend of Krampusz, whom I first appreciated on a Hungarian visit at Christmas time. How delighted he was to supplement my knowledge with tales of the old country and its traditions, and I was totally enraptured!
We are simultaneously devastated by this loss and yet wildly appreciative of the time we got to bask in his energy and light. How lucky we were Nicholas, thank you for giving us more than you ever knew!
Diane Bullis:
Ildiko, I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. I am thinking of you at this very difficult time. Please know that I am here for you be it a phone call to Calgary or a visit in Sylvan. Love, Diane
David DEWAR:
Saddened to hear of Nicholas’ passing. His wife Ildiko and I were colleagues when I started my career with the Alberta Public Service in 1974. I got to know Nicholas after he agreed to complete a renovation at our family home during the 1990s. The renovation involved creating a suite for my mother to live in. She enjoyed living in the suite for several years and we were very impressed with Nicholas’ kindness, attention to detail and meticulous craftsmanship. He was truly a larger than life individual. Sending my sincerest condolences to Ildiko and family.
David (and Audrey) Dewar
Victoria, BC
Cecilia de Berdiales:
Querida Ildiko, lamento profundamente, la partida de Nikolas, siempre lo recordaré cono una persona amable y cariñosa. Que Dios lo tenga en su gloria.
El amor que te profesaba Nikolas te acompañará toda tu vida.
Jamie Popeniuk:
May you brighten the lives of our loved ones who will greet you in heaven!
Love you and will truly miss your presence
RIP sir.
Wayne and Lili Hanson:
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Nicholas.
Though we only met him briefly, we were struck by his warmth and kindness, even in our short interactions he left a lasting impression.
We hope you can find comfort in cherishing the memories of his life.
Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time !
Cecilia Lanz:
So sorry to hear about the passing of Nick. I remember him as being warmhearted, jolly and unfailingly generous especially when my daughter Francesca used to join Candy and the rest of the family in Fairmont. Special hugs too Ildiko; she and Nick were such a loving couple. I hope the loving memories will comfort you during the dark days
Anna Baxter:
It was wonderful to be friends with Nicholas and Ildiko in Panama. Nicholas will always be remembered as a great person. May God Bless & Console the Beermann family in this difficult time.
Brian Lester:
Ildiko, Nick and Christine:
Sorry to hear of Nick's passing. He had a zest for life and adventure and an enthusiasm that was infectious for everything that he took on. Hope your holidays can be full of happy memories. I always enjoyed working with your family at least in part because of him and his lovely smile.
Brian Lester
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