In Memoriam: Rev. Julius Vigh Jr. (1934-2022)

Four days before Julius Vigh, 88, died Nov. 30, 2022, he gathered with family for Thanksgiving dinner on what would be his last trip out of the house. He loved being with family, and though weak, he wanted to go—even taking his walker into the kitchen to get his own food. “One memory I will cherish forever from that night,” said one of his children, “is after my brother prayed, my dad held his hand up and said in a strong voice, ‘Wait. Before we eat, let’s sing “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow.”’”

Born in Budapest, Hungary, as a child Julius experienced the chaos and atrocities of war, including being displaced from his home and country and living with his family in refugee camps for five and a half years. Rather than becoming bitter and angry, his son said, “my father was a kind-hearted, faithful and loving man devoted to his God, his wife, and his family.” 

Julius immigrated to the United States with his family in 1950. For the rest of his life he always expressed thankfulness to God for the life he was able to live in the United States.

Julius joined the United States Marine Corps in 1953 and served honorably until 1956. He then studied at Calvin College (now University) and Calvin Theological Seminary, becoming ordained in 1964. He pastored the following churches: Bethel Christian Reformed Church, Redlands, Calif.; Fresno (Calif.) CRC; Portland (Mich.) CRC; and Dildine Community Church, Ionia, Mich. (which merged to become New Life CRC in Ionia).

After retiring in 1991, Julius worked as a handyman. He enjoyed fixing things and could fix almost anything.  He always ensured there was an annual family camping trip in the mountains, usually in Yosemite National Park.  He enjoyed playing card games and especially the board game “Aggravation.”

Julius is survived by Zita, his beloved wife of 64 years; five children and their spouses; 19 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.