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Peter Stopanovski
September 22, 1937 – February 3, 2025
It is with sadness we announce the passing of Peter (Petar) Stopanovski. He died peacefully on February 3, 2025, at the age of 87 in Winnipeg, Manitoba surrounded by family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Elvira, daughter June (Dwayne Gibson), son Peter (predeceased), stepson Roberto Rosanz (predeceased), and granddaughter Natasha Stopanovski (Alex Vantornhout) and three great grandchildren, Chase, Kaylee and Alex Junior.
Born in Belgrade, then part of Yugoslavia (now Serbia), he was just two years old when the Second World War began with the Nazi invasion of Poland. However, even before this, in 1934, the King of Yugoslavia had been assassinated by Mussolini’s supporters, with the knowledge of the German SS. The country was in turmoil. His father was conscripted into the war but managed to escape, leaving his wife and child behind. During these difficult years, it was his grandmother and mother who ensured his survival. In 1950, his father requested that his wife and child join him in Canada.
Upon arriving in Canada, his mother discovered that her husband had already taken his mistress as his new spouse. She declined his offer to house them both and decided to raise Peter alone in low-cost housing in central Winnipeg. For several years, Peter struggled at school due to his lack of English proficiency and faced teasing from local Ukrainian immigrant students. Graduation was not in the cards for him. He became a Canadian citizen in 1959.
In 1960, he married the mother of his two children: June, born in 1961, and Peter, born in 1963. He found work with the CNR as a Porter on the passenger train to Vancouver. His trips lasted a week at a time. Despite the challenges of being away, he managed to buy a house to support his growing family. However, the frequent absences took their toll, and the marriage ended in 1970 when his wife took both children and moved to central Winnipeg while he was away at work.
He found employment with Canada Post, driving a mail truck and delivering parcels in central Winnipeg. Occasionally, he was able to see his children when they ran out to meet him.
In 1974, he married Elvira, who had a son a year younger than his own. Roberto adored his new stepfather, who treated him and his mother kindly and lovingly. It was a very sad day when Roberto was killed in 2005. Apart from losing the love of a son, it also put an end to his wife’s desire to travel to warmer climates, a pastime they had enjoyed for years.
Peter retired from Canada Post in 1997, marking the beginning of an enjoyable period filled with travels to sunny locations. He always loved the heat, as it reminded him of his birthplace. After a few years of health issues, his son Peter passed away in 2017 due to complications from diabetes. Losing his son was another bitter pill to swallow.
In 2020, Peter was diagnosed with early-onset dementia, which began to erode his once vibrant life. In 2021, his driver’s license was revoked, robbing him of his favorite and sole purpose: the freedom to drive whenever, wherever, and however he wanted. Losing his independence was exceptionally difficult for him.
Peter had a brief battle with dementia before lung cancer claimed his last breath. We will dearly miss his kind and warm heart, his wonderful sense of humor, and his playful way with words. Throughout his life, he loved doing puzzles, playing cards, and always sought out someone to challenge him in his favorite game of chess.
There is a space that cannot be filled in this life by the loss of this beautiful soul. His interment will take place in May 2025 at the Transcona Cemetery in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Rest in Peace.
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September 22 1937
February 3 2025
Death notice for the town of: Oakbank, Province: Manitoba
death notice Peter Stopanovski September 22 1937
February 3 2025
obituaries notice Peter Stopanovski September 22 1937
February 3 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Peter Stopanovski September 22 1937
February 3 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
