The daughter of an elderly man who was allegedly murdered by a former Woodstock nurse at a long-term care facility in London says her father was a Hungarian immigrant who worked tirelessly to provide for his family.
Speaking to CP24 on Wednesday, Susan Horvath said her father, 75-year-old Arpad Horvath, was the “leader” of the family whom she greatly admired.
“He worked hard and loved the opportunity here in Canada,” Horvath said as she held back tears. “I tried everything to step in his footsteps, because I admired him and his guts and his strength and his determination. I can hope that I have some of that in me as well.”
Horvath’s father was a patient at Meadow Park, a long-term care facility in London, Ontario.
Though he passed away in August 2014, his death was recently tied to a multi-jurisdictional investigation where seven other seniors in Woodstock were allegedly murdered by a former registered nurse.
Horvath was the only victim from the London care facility.
According to investigators, the patients died after they were “administered a drug.”
Horvath said she "had a feeling" something was potentially going on at the care facility because her father was "always nervous" and "biting his nails."
In an emailed statement sent to CTV News on Wednesday, Dr. Johan Gall said Horvath was a close family friend since he was born.
He also described Horvath as a “leader” in his community and a “man of the world” who loved to travel.
“He travelled across Europe, Canada, Africa and many other places pursuing his passion for the outdoors,” Gall said in the statement. “He would hunt and fish all year round. Each fall, he would host a game supper with various wild game entrees.”
Gall said Horvath owned a successful tool and die business in London and had a “strong work ethic.”
“He was very much a business man, spoke his mind, had a sharp wit and was always engaging,” he said. “He employed immigrant workers of all nationalities to allow them to get a foothold in Canada. He appreciated the opportunities that Canada provided to people who were prepared to work.”
“I pray for his family, who have to relieve his passing.”
In an online guestbook for Horvath’s father, acquaintances and family members shared memories and condolences.
A Sept. 10 post from Horvath read, “It’s a rainy day dad. Thinking of you. I couldn't sleep all night. I feel like my life has been turned upside down. I miss you very much. Love your only daughter Susie.”
“Dear Dad, I miss you so much. My heart is broken. Love you forever, your daughter Susie,” another post from Sept. 4 read, written in all capital letters.
“So sorry to hear, I had a chance to talk to Arpy when he was at the hospital. I’m glad I did. Years ago he inspired me to become a tool and die maker myself. Our deepest sympathies, the Jacobs family,” one post read.
Horvath’s aunt, Susie Gay, wrote in the online guest book on Sept. 7:
“I remember the night you met my sister Lana and when I answered the door on your first date; your wedding, the birth of your children, and picking me up late to go to the church on my wedding day. Also many wonderful memories at the lake with Mama and Papa. We have shared many joys and sorrows. I am grateful that His peace is now with you. May forgiveness and love surround us all as we walk without you.”
The victims that are connected to the case were all between the ages of 75 and 96. As of Monday, Caressant Care Nursing and Retirement Homes Limited in Woodstock said they were coopering with the investigation and that the nurse in question left the facility two-and-a-half years ago.
Despite this, Susan Horvath said she doesn’t believe the situation is being taken as seriously as it should. She suggested that Health Minister Eric Hoskins isn’t doing enough to address incidents of senior abuse at nursing homes in Ontario.
“Two years ago there was a program on the same thing – abuse to a senior citizen in a retirement home. They interviewed Eric Hoskins again and his words were to the same effect of what we’ve seen (now), word for word,” Horvath told CP24. “So, I’m asking myself ‘is something actually going to be done?’ Or, ‘does he really care?’”
“If he was in our shoes, these eight deaths that just occurred, maybe (then) he would wake up and start doing something about it because it looks like he took it in one ear and out the next.”
Police declined to comment on a motive for the killings at a news conference in Woodstock on Tuesday but did indicate more charges could be laid.
The nurse accused of murdering Horvath and the seven others was identified as 49-year-old Elizabeth Tracey Mae Wettlaufer. She has been charged with eight counts of first degree murder on Tuesday and was remanded in custody the same day.
Horvath said she is struggling to sleep properly since the news.
“We have eight deaths. People are suffering. It’s affecting our health and everything,” she said. “How much more suffering do these senior citizens in these homes need? We’re all going to become seniors; we’re all going to be walking in those same shoes (one day). What’s going to happen to us? I’m even afraid myself of where to go now.”
