Obituary of Milan Jozef Slamka
Milan Jozef SLAMKA – (Nov 22, 1929 – Jan 6, 2021)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Milan Slamka, on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at the age of 91 at Henley House in St. Catharines. Beloved husband to Elena Slamka of 64 years. Loving father to Stefan (Linda) and Klara Kross (Robert). Cherished grandfather to Amanda Slamka, Hailey Slamka, Rachael Kross and Alex Kross.
Milan was born in Pezinok, Slovakia in 1929 where he spent the first half of his life. He was a highly intelligent and philosophical man, who learned to speak 9 different languages. His passion was classical music, reading books in many languages and being outdoors in tune with nature. But what made him truly the man he was, was his never wavering faith in the Lord. Milan was on his way to the priesthood when expelled from the seminary by the invading Soviet forces at the end of WWII. It was after this that he met the love of his life, Elka, and started their family. Driven by his Faith and Love for his family, Milan and family escaped communist persecution in 1968, to provide limitless possibilities for his family in Canada with only two suitcases in hand.
Five months later the family immigrated to St. Catharines to start a new life—free of persecution. Milan continued his education at Brock University and became a French teacher with the Niagara District Catholic School Board until his retirement in 1989. He was a member of the Canadian Slovak League – Branch 31, as well as a choir member at the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria.
Milan was loved by everyone who knew him. He had a gentle, kind and spiritual soul and will forever be remembered and cherished in our hearts. In a newspaper article written about the struggles he overcame, he said “I didn’t lose hope or faith.” Because of the sacrifices he made, his legacy will forever live on through his children and grandchildren.
Our beloved Milan, Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
Arrangements are entrusted to the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME 585 Carlton St St. Catharines. For those who wish to join us via Livestream on Saturday January 9th at 10:30 am., here is the link https://youtu.be/L1ih2aqXR8w. For those of you who are unable to join us at this time, a recording of the Funeral Mass for Milan will be added here shortly after the Mass takes place.
Due to COVID restrictions, a private Family Funeral Mass and burial at Victoria Lawn Cemetery will take place on Saturday, January 9, 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to Diabetes of Canada or St. Vincent de Paul Society.
The Train of Life
At birth we boarded the train and met our parents and we believe they will always travel on our side.
However, at some station, our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone.
As time goes by, other people will board the train and they will be significant i.e our siblings, friends, children, volunteers and even the love of our life.
Many will step down and leave a permanate vacuum. Others will go so unnoticed that we don't realize their vacated seats. This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasies, expectations, hellos, good-byes and farewells.
Success consists of having a good relationship with all passengers requiring we give the best of ourselves.
The mystery to everyone is, we do not know at which station we ourselves will step down. So, we must live in the best way, love, forgive and offer the best of who we are.
It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty, we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who continue on the train of life.
I wish you a joyful journey on the train of life. Reap success and give lots of love. More importantly, thank God for the journey.
