It is with heavy hearts laden with sadness and gratitude for time well spent on this earth that we announce the passing of Anthony “Tony” Stanley Paznar. Tony passed away peacefully and comfortably at home surrounded by his loved ones on Thanksgiving Sunday October 10, 2021. Having a terminal illness during a time when the world felt like it was on fire may have seemed daunting and scary to most, but Tony took everything in stride allowing him the chance to bond and form close relationships with those that were part of his care-giving team. Right up to the end he was full of life and humour (and Tim Hortons old fashioned donuts), insisting during his celebration of life that we only provide the “cheap stuff” so people don’t come back for more!
Tony was the definition of a hobbyist; from restoring vintage sewing machines, to participating in cowboy shooting classics at rod and gun clubs in the area, to cruising down the road on one of his Harleys; he did it all. There were not many people who encountered Tony that forgot him easily, whether it was due to his hard-working (and sometimes stubborn) work ethic, or if it was for his surprise one-liners that often came out of his quiet and stoic presence. Tony was a loving and doting husband to his wife Debbie and was the biggest cheerleader and support for his daughter Donna. He will be missed dearly by both forever.
With the (un)fortunate nature of cancer, Tony was ready and able to live out some of his “bucket list” wishes. He was so happy to have taken a helicopter ride with his friend Jeremy to see Collingwood from above, he added a sidecar to his Harley to help him ride when his balance was getting weaker, and he finally got his first tattoo underneath his chemo-port to give his doctors and nurses a smile.
Tony was pre-deceased by his parents John “JP” and Jennie and was very much looking forward to seeing them again. He is survived by his three brothers, John, Lou (Sara), and Mike. He was an adored son-in-law to Len and Diane Smith, and dear brother-in-law to Lynda Robichaud (Rob), and Leonard Smith (Dianne). Left with fond memories of time spent together are his nephews and niece, Peter and John Robichaud, and James, Michael and Jennie Paznar. Tony is also survived and loved by many family members and dear friends who were from all walks of life due to the wide array of hobbies that he enjoyed.
As current times are faced with so much uncertainty due to the “c” word, Tony’s wish for his celebration of life is to have it in the spring of 2022 once things have died down a little (no pun intended), so keep your eyes and ears open for a date announcement in the New Year. In true Paznar fashion, Tony hated theatrics and formality so make sure that you come dressed comfortably ready to gulp down a few Aperol spritzes and cheap steaks in his honour.
Tony and his family are so grateful to the amazing staff at Royal Victoria Hospital, particularly all the hard-working individuals in the chemotherapy suite, and cancer and palliative wards. Tony and his family couldn’t have made it through this marathon without the support and care from Dr. Tessa Kitai, Dr. Sara Rask, Dr. Shiva Jayaraman, Dr. Colin Ward, and Dr. Rebecca Stepita. We kindly ask that any donations made in Tony’s honour go to the Royal Victoria Hospital Foundation: foundation.rvh.on.ca/donate-now-2/.
We could write a book series with all of the stories we have of Tony, and we will fondly cherish those memories and will remember him forever.
Cremation has taken place and arrangements have been entrusted to Fawcett Funeral Homes, Collingwood Chapel.
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Sunday October 10th 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Anthony Paznar Sunday October 10th 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:Collingwood, Province: Ontario