Balazs "Bill" Nagy

Balazs “Bill”  Nagy passed peacefully at St. Luke’s Regional Hospital in Boise, Idaho on July 20, 2021 with his children at his side. Per Bill's request there will not be a service.

Bill was born on March 17, 1939 in Bakonszeg, Hungary to parents Balazs and Ester (Uhaz) Nagy.  Bill was the only son and the second of three children.  He was raised in various towns and villages throughout Hungary as his father was a 4-star General in the Hungarian Military.

Bill excelled in both sports and school alike and learned electronics at a very early age.  He even learned how to obstruct or “jam” German communications during the Nazi Regime.  He had an insatiable desire to learn as much as he could and would prove evident throughout his life.

At age 17, Bill became a “Freedom Fighter” during the Hungarian Revolution in 1956.  Fighting for his freedom and those of his fellow countrymen. He escaped to Austria where he petitioned the USA to come to this country.  He was accepted and flown to Philadelphia, PA.

He settled into a Hungarian speaking community, but immediately learned English to adapt into his new “home country.”  He was then hired by the U.S. Military making listening devices that were being used in Guam.

Bill continued westward and moved to Los Angeles, California where he was hired by a recording studio.  It was there he would meet his wife Mary Ada Dillow, as Mary’s sister was part owner of the recording studio.  In Hollywood, he built the recording consoles for the likes of the “Rat Pack” – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin & Sammy David Jr.  He also became acquainted with other recording artists as Ray Charles, Paul Anka, The Lennon Sisters, Elvis and others.

Bill married Mary in 1960 and had 3 children Steven, Kathleen and Stacy.  By the mid 60’s they moved to San Mateo, California in the Bay area for 5 years.  In 1972, looking for better schools, cleaner air and a smaller city, the family moved to Pendleton, Oregon where Mary had a sister.

Bill had some time before his job was to start, so they decided to visit the ghost town of Cornucopia, Oregon and upon 1st sight of Halfway, he said “We’re Moving Here!!!”  He immediately got a job repairing TV’s, appliances, etc. and eventually started his own TV Repair Shop.

In 1974, his son James was born.  Throughout his life in Halfway, Bill’s knowledge and passion for learning new things led him to beekeeping with Paul Springer, gold mining in Oregon, Nevada, Idaho and Arizona.  He started his own orchard and vineyard at Homestead, Oregon on the Snake River.  He was constantly inventing things that were well before their time. He even attended CALPOLY University in San Luis Obispo in 1976.  He was always willing to share his knowledge and help with others.  But his main passion and love was for his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents.  Bill is survived by his ex-wife Mary Nagy of Baker City, children Steve Nagy and his wife Ronda of Boise, Idaho; Kathleen Nagy of Halfway, Oregon; Stacy Nagy of Baker City, Oregon; James and his wife Ana Marie of Elko, Nevada; 3 grandchildren.

For those who would like to make a memorial contribution in memory of Bill, the family suggests the charity of one’s choice through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834.  Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com