Obituary of Stefan Gonza

It is with great sorrow that the family of Stefan Gonza announce his passing at age 82 at the Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario on March 5, 2015. Beloved husband of Vera Gonza (nee Bohnec). Devoted father of Sandy and father-in-law of Brian Carré and cherished Papa to Michelle and Gregory Carré. Predeceased by his parents Ivan and Terezia Gonza, brothers Ignac and Anton and sister Agata Zeleznik. He will be sadly missed by sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and many close friends. Stefan was born in Gornja Bistrica, Slovenia (former Yugoslavia) in 1932. He immigrated to Canada in 1957 and settled in Port Arthur (Thunder Bay), where he met Vera and they were married in 1962 and recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. Stefan was always a hard worker and was employed with Abitibi Provincial Paper Mill in Thunder Bay for over 25 years. After living in Thunder Bay for 40 years, Stefan and Vera retired in Stoney Creek, Ontario. Stefan was proud of his Slovenian heritage and was a member of the Spruce Garden Slovenian Society in Thunder Bay, as well as the Bled and St. Joseph’s Slovenian Societies in Hamilton. He enjoyed travelling, entertaining friends, gardening, playing cards and spending quality time with family. Stefan’s caring and compassionate, yet practical character, will be greatly missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him. Family and friends may pay their respects at the Donald V. Brown Funeral Home, 36 Lake Avenue Drive, Stoney Creek on Monday, March 9, 2015 from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Prayers 4:30 p.m. His life will be celebrated with a service to be held at St. Gregory the Great Slovenian Church, 125 Centennial Parkway N., Hamilton, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2015. Interment to follow at Our Lady of The Angels Cemetery. In remembrance, contributions to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or St. Gregory the Great Slovenian Church would be appreciated.