Obituary of Alexander Stefanko

Obituary of Alexander (Alex) Stefanko 

 

It is with deep sadness that the Stefanko family announces the passing of our Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather Alexander (Alex) Stefanko of Winnipeg, MB. on February the 7, 2025. He was 90 years of age. He passed away suddenly at his home. We will cherish our memories of you Dad.

 

He is survived by his three sons, Wayne (Darlene), Bradley and Glenn (Corinne). Grandsons, Ryan, Phillip (Andrea), Trevor & Alexander (girlfriend Jessica). Great grandchildren Cohen, Mason, Alia and many nieces and nephews.

 

Alex was predeceased by his loving wife Joyce Audrey Stefanko (nee Weston) in January 2023, married 65 years, Father John Stefanko, Mother Sophie, brothers Nick Stefanko, Peter Stefanko, sisters Victoria (Vicky) Van Alstyne  (nee Stefanko), Anne Johnson (nee Stefanko) Anne McIvor (nee Stefanko) and Bradley’s common law partner Marrnie.

 

Alex was born in Winnipeg MB. on August 20, 1934. He grew up in the north end and was educated in Winnipeg. As a young boy, some of his hobbies included training pigeons, horseback riding and repairing automobiles with his brother Peter. The depression of the 1930’s left a lasting impression on Dad. He was always very wise with his finances.

 

Dad met the love of his life Joyce, while attending sock hops, dances and canteens. They met as teenagers. Dad started a courtship and they married in September 1958. They had three Sons, Wayne Alexander in 1959, Bradley John in 1962 and Glenn Allan in 1964.

 

One of Alex’s first career jobs was working at Sherwin-Williams Paint (SW) in the company store on Main Street. There he learned the paint business, met and developed many relationships with colleagues and customers. He was promoted to store manager. After 10 years in the company stores he was offered an opportunity to go into sales. Initially he had some reservation moving to a sales career, however it proved to be a great decision. Dad was well liked by his customer and won numerous local and national sales contests, including an all expense paid trip for two to Athens, Greece! After retiring from SW with 34 years of service, Mom and Dad purchased a family cottage in Halcyon Cove near Grand Beach, close to the shores of Lake Winnipeg. They loved spending time at the cottage during the summer months, entertaining family and friends. Dad was a handy man and took great pride in finishing the cottage that was originally purchased a shell package. The great room of the cottage was all red cedar with large front windows and wood stove fireplace. Beautifully done!

 

Dad loved hockey and all three sons played organized hockey at a high level. Dad attended as many games and practices that he could and would give us boys private coaching lessons on the way home from the game.

Dad loved spending time with his immediate family and the Dancyt family, which included many gatherings, celebrations, summer barbeques and holiday dinners. Grandpa loved live music and was so proud of his grandson Alexander when he played his guitar and sang for him. Dad was also an avid gardener with a large patch in the backyard of their home. He grew almost everything that would grow well during our Manitoba summers, often sharing fresh produce with family, friends and neighbors.

 

A celebration of life will take place in the summer of 2025.

 

Love Always!

 

The song that best describes our Fathers life is Frank Sinatra, My Way;

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQzdAsjWGPg

 

And now, the end is near

And so I face the final curtain

My friend, I’ll say it clear

I’ve state my case, of which I’m certain

I’ve lived a life that’s full

I traveled each and every highway

And more, much more than this

I did it my way

 

Regrets, I’ve had a few

But then again too few to mention

I did what I had to do

And saw it through without exemption

I planned each charted course

Each careful step along the byway

And more, much more than this

I did it my way

 

Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew

When I bit off more that I could chew

But through it all, when there was doubt

I ate it up and spit it out

I faced it all, and I stood tall

And did it my way

 

I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried

I’ve had my fill, my share of losing

And now as tears subside

I find it all so amusing

To think I did all that

And may I say, not in a shy way

Oh, no, oh, no, not me

I did it my way

 

For what is a man, what has he got?

If not himself, then he has naught

To say the things he truly feels

And not the words of one who kneels

The record shows I took the blows

And did it my way

 

Yes it was my way

 

Source: Musixmatch

 

Songwriters: Paul Anka / Gilles Thibaut / Claude Francois / Jacques Revaux

 

My Way lyrics © Jeune Musique Ed., Barclay Eddie Nouvelles Editions, Iway Holdings Sas, Chrysalis Standards Inc.

 

Alterna Cremation

Funeral Director: Ashley Newton