It is with profound sorrow that we bid farewell to Professor Dr József Lehota, who has passed away at the age of 76. With his departure, we have lost not only an outstanding scholar, a dedicated university lecturer and an internationally recognised researcher, but also a remarkable person whose character, humanity and knowledge shaped the thinking of generations. His legacy will remain with us throughout our lives.

Professor Lehota devoted his entire life to the service of knowledge. During a university career spanning more than five decades, he witnessed and actively shaped the development of Hungarian agricultural higher education. He was an influential lecturer, researcher and professor at the University of Agricultural Sciences in Gödöllő, later at Szent István University, and finally at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He also created a lasting legacy at the University of Debrecen.

He played a defining role in the development of agricultural and food marketing as an academic discipline in Hungary. Through his teaching, he introduced new approaches, while his research contributed to making marketing an integral part of thinking in agriculture and the food economy. As the founder of an academic school of thought, he launched the careers of countless young researchers, doctoral students and university lecturers. Many of his former students are now leading academics and researchers at universities, carrying forward in their own work what they learned from him.

In the lecture hall, he commanded a natural authority. What made him exceptional was not only his extraordinary knowledge, but also his openness, humanity and genuine attention to his students. For him, education was not merely about imparting knowledge, but also about passing on values.
His achievements as a researcher have likewise left a lasting mark. He authored several hundred Hungarian and international scientific publications, books and book chapters, and his academic career was further enriched by his work in numerous professional bodies in Hungary and abroad. He played a significant role in the editorial work of academic journals, served on academic committees, and contributed extensively to the development of Hungarian agricultural economics and marketing research.

His outstanding scholarly achievements were recognised with numerous prestigious awards. Among other honours, he received the Apáczai Csere János Award, the Gold Cross of Merit of the Republic of Hungary, and later the Officer’s Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit. These distinctions, however, were merely symbols of the professional authority and respect he earned among his colleagues and students.
At the same time, he never lost touch with his roots. He maintained a deep affection for his native region, took pride in his origins, and considered it important to give back, through his knowledge, to the community from which he came. In the later stages of his life, he devoted increasing attention to local history research, reflecting both his respect for the past and his strong attachment to his home region.

For the university community, he was not only a professor but also a role model, and he will remain so. His openness, wisdom, willingness to help and humanity meant that his colleagues could always rely on him. He had a unique ability to connect different generations and to build bridges between different academic disciplines and perspectives.
Throughout his life, however, his greatest source of strength was his family. His loved ones provided the support on which he was able to build his entire career. Their love and encouragement accompanied him throughout both his academic and personal journey, while he himself always sought to fulfil his role as a loving husband, father, grandfather and head of the family.

Dr József Lehota’s life’s work extends far beyond publications, awards and academic achievements. His greatest legacy lives on in the people he taught, inspired and supported. The academic school he established, the generations of students he mentored, and the values he represented will continue to shape Hungarian agricultural higher education for many years to come.

We will preserve his memory with respect and gratitude. May he rest in peace.