Anthony "Tony" Markus

Anthony Markus

Anthony Markus “Cattle King of the North” was born on September 11, 1936 in Csorna, Hungary. He passed peacefully with his devoted wife of 66 years, Margareta (Vukovich) Markus, and loving family at his side on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg, MB.

Anthony was the eldest son of Antal and Anna (Kiss) Markus of Hungary. Anthony, “Tony Sr”, leaves his four children: Linda Markus (Mark), Sandra (nee Markus) Johnson-Hill (Mark), Susan (nee Markus) Doolaege (Gerald), and Anthony John “Tony Jr” Markus (Jen); eleven grandchildren: Vincent Squires (Wendy), Ashley Squires, Ashton Butler (Shandy), Hugo Johnson-Hill, Riki (nee Doolaege) Money (Reid), Cassie Doolaege (Harlen), Spencer Doolaege (Chantal), Alexa Maurer-Markus, Olivia Johnson-Hill, Kenelm Harrison Johnson-Hill, and Kelton Doolaege; two great-grandchildren: Parker Squires and Elia Catarino; one brother: Leslie Markus (Kathy) and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Anthony was pre-deceased by his parents and two sisters, Teresa and Agnes, in Hungary.

Anthony’s school years were disrupted by the conflicts of WW2; however, he was able to be trained as a baker in Budapest, Hungary. He always had a love of farming. He left Hungary in August 1955, just before the Revolution. He sought refuge in Austria and found work in the local vineyards. He met Margareta in Austria and shared his plans of emigrating to Canada. Once he settled in Saskatchewan, he sent for Margareta to join him.  They were married in Regina in 1958. Anthony worked in bakeries in Melville, Regina, Birch River and The Pas. The young couple’s first farm was in Swan River, MB, where they welcomed their first child. While working in a winter bush camp west of The Pas, he was impressed by the delta soils, lack of stones and potential for farming expansion.  In 1964, the family relocated to the Carrot River Valley west of The Pas.

Anthony had a dream of building a ranch. Over the years, the family and the farm grew. Anthony and Margareta’s visionary work ethic and steadfast devotion to accomplishing their goals have made a lasting impact on agriculture in the valley. Anthony was an avid hunter and excellent marksman.  In the early years, he kept the family fed with an abundance of wild game.  Not only was Anthony a tireless worker on the farm, he was invested in building the community which he called home. While Margareta tended to responsibilities on the farm, Anthony took extra work on winter construction projects in The Pas, including the building of the high school, technical school, bridge, and pulp and paper mill. His leadership, friendship, generosity and humour were much beloved by all who knew him. Anthony’s reputation is known across Canada and internationally. Anthony and Margareta were respected members of the Canadian Angus Association and enjoyed travelling to the World Angus Forums. Anthony has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the agricultural community. He accomplished his dream of building his ranch. Big Lake Angus Farm was renowned for producing top quality calves on this commercial cow/calf operation using top-pedigreed Black Angus bulls, as well as carrying on an expansive grain operation. Anthony always held true to his values, remained humble, and instilled high expectations for his family.

As per the family’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life for Anthony Markus will take place in August 2025 in The Pas, MB.  Arrangements are in care of Hemauer Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Anthony Markus’ name to a cause that supports Canadian agriculture or to Riverview Health Centre, Winnipeg, MB.