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In Memoriam Domokos "Don" Istvan Laszlo Born 18 August 1916 in Budapest, Hungary Passed away 1 October 2002 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada 86 years of age Don Laszlo began working at the University of Calgary in 1960, as the fencing instructor and coach of the U of C team for the Inter-Collegiate Fencing Championships, and for the U of C Fencing Club. His interests were varied, but revolved mainly around sport: fencing, tennis, squash, and skiing. Between 1950 and 1970, Don was one of the major players on the Western Canadian fencing tournament circuit. He was NIFT and IEFT foil and sabre champion in 1959 and 1961, and Seattle Sea Fair sabre champion in 1963. He was also Pacific Coast International sabre champion for ten years, 1958 to 1968. Don Laszlo left an indelible mark on the fencing community in Alberta and western Canada. If you would like to leave a message on this page, please email me. I learned a great deal from Don when I started fencing, not the least of which was that you didn't have to be strong, tall, or quick to be a really great fencer. Even though he was over eighty, fencing with his right hand instead of his preferred left, and much shorter than I was, he routinely chased me up and down the piste, and only let me get hits if I was doing something right. Don was a great fencer, and a very interesting person. He had a long and full life, and while we shouldn't mourn his passing, I would have liked to learn more from him and about him. ~ Vanessa Bjerreskov, President (current), UCFC ~ I had the pleasure and honour of having Don as both my fencing master and club advisor for many years. Don was the heart and soul of the club for many years and although I graduated and moved on, I can remember my time at the club with great fondness. Don was always patient and encouraging; his love for the sport truly inspired those of us who trained under him. Don was one of a kind. He will be greatly missed by his students. ~Keng Teh, past President, UCFC~ Don was a great mentor and friend to us at the University of Calgary Fencing Club and he will be greatly missed. Even when he could no longer fence, he would show up on a regular basis to watch and provide advice and encouragement. This was greatly appreciated. His coaching and friendship has had a strong impact on me, not just on the fencing strip but in everyday life. ~Andrew Wray, past President, UCFC~ Home  |  About Us   |  About Fencing   |  Links  |  Photo Gallery Image Bank  |  Reviews   |  Fencing Fun  |  Contact Us