Miklos was just 59 when his life was cut short on 10 June 2010. We used to work together at Budapest Approach and later he returned to the tower where he carried Shift C as its supervisor for fifteen years or more. He was a real professional who knew not only the ATC side of the business but also the pilot side and in particular, light aircraft and general aviation. He was an icon for the young! You could never be bored when he was around, he was full of stories and anecdotes which he shared with everyone in his signature, good-natured manner. His wife, Susanne was also an aerodrome controller. I knew her from back when we were fighting to get the Hungarian authorities to allow women to become air traffic controllers.
A funeral is always a sad affair and it is not appropriate to say that a funeral was nice… But in Miklos’ case the funeral was truly unique, befitting someone who had lived for and with aviation.
Mourners coming to take their leave from Miklos were asked to bring flower seeds instead of flowers to the funeral. Light aircraft carrying Miklos’ ashes and the flower seeds took off from Dunakeszi and flew to Ferihegy International airport where the ashes and flower seeds were dispersed over the grassy area alongside runway 31L. As this was happening, the airport supervisors formed a cross on one of the taxiways using their vehicles.
An appropriate tribute to a man dedicated to flying and aviation in general.
Rest in peace my friend!
