Mr. Stefan (Steve) Slupski, age 93 years, passed away peacefully in the Toronto General Hospital on Friday, August 21, 2015.
Stefan was born on October 6, 1921 in Poland, one of seven children of Martcin and Parana Slupski. It was a time of great turmoil. They lived through the First and Second World Wars. Only the people that lived in Europe during those times can fully appreciate how difficult life was. The poverty, the hunger, the bombings, the deaths, the concentration and internment camps. Stefan got through it all.
He met Anastazia (nee Kloczanyk )and they got married at an internment camp in Germany, in August of 1945. Two years later, they had a beautiful son (that would be me).
In 1949, Stefan came to Canada to seek a better life. Anastazia and their son had to remain in Germany for one year. Stefan came to Port Arthur and found work with the railway. In January of 1950, Anastazia and their son joined him. Life was still difficult as Stefan and Anastazia came to Canada with only a few clothes, no money, no assests, no friends, no knowledge of the English language. Members of the Polish community here all went through that.
A perfect way to start a new life, Stefan and Anastazia loved it here. The freedom, the peace , the beauty of Canada. Stefan always said this is the best country in the world.
Stefan worked for many years at the shipyards until he retired at age 65. Stefan and Anastazia loved the outdoors. In the summer they spent most of their time blueberry and mushroom picking, working in the garden. Stefan also enjoyed fishing and hunting. They enjoyed spending time with friends, great food and drinks.
Stefan was a long time member of the Polish Legion. He took great pride in being a member of the Colour Party. Again more friends, get togethers, great food and drinks.
Stefan was a devoted husband. He took great care of Anastazia in her latter stages of Alzheimers and dementia. He had many health issues of his own, but refused to put her into a seniors home. However, eventually he was no longer able to look after her. He visited her every day and sat with her all day. He was hospitalized a few days before she passed away. But with great difficulty, he managed to get to her funeral.
Stefan was fun to be around. He was always the first one there to help out. He was a good husband, a loving father and a great friend. We will all miss you Stefan. Rest in peace.
Stefan was predeceased by his parents, four brothers, two sisters, and his wife of seventy years, Anastazia.
He is survived by his son Zbigniew (Brenda); four grandsons, Steven (Allison), Michael (Paulina), Kevin, Trevor (Darcyl) and five great-grandchildren, Ryder, Brooke, Tyson, Sebastian and Zoe.
Funeral services for the late Mr. Stefan Slupski will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2015 at 1:00PM in the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma, officiated by Father Ireneusz Stadler. Interment will follow in St. Andrew's Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be one hour prior to service time.
Should friends so desire, donations made in memory of Stefan to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
Dad, all your pain and suffering is over.
Until we meet again.
Love, Zbigniew and all of your loving family.
