Csaba Barabas, local soccer coach and father of Wayland High School’s top cross-country runner this fall, Olivia, died Monday of cancer. He was 46.
Csaba underwent treatment in July and even sought advice from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Sources indicate Csaba started to tremble uncontrollably on the left side of his body June 9 while climbing down a ladder at work. He was rushed to the hospital and after a series of scans and tests it was determined he has a large mass in his lung and four to six tumors in his brain and lymph nodes.
Csaba was a devoted husband, father, friend, soccer coach and mentor to many. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, golfing and soccer with his family and friends. Csaba was a skilled woodworker and recently enjoyed learning HVAC.
His passion was playing and coaching soccer. Csaba, along with a couple of close friends, founded a local nonprofit travel soccer club and he used it to share his knowledge and love of the game with many, who call him so much more than coach.
Csaba is survived by his wife and best friend of 25 years, Rebecca, a 1996 Wayland High School graduate; two children, Olivia and Liam; mother, Irma Barabas; sister, Ilona Kovecsi (Zoltan); brother, Zoltan Jr. (Jennifer); mother- and father-in-law, Thomas and Susan Karsies; sister-in-law, Karen Karsies; extended family members, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Services will be announced as his homecoming from California is finalized.
Csaba reached so many young soccer players in Wayland and the surrounding communities! His love for the game was eclipsed by the love for his wife, Rebecca, and his two children, Olivia and Liam. You will be greatly missed Csaba!