ANTHONY PAUL KONCAN

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ANTHONY PAUL KONCAN (Tony) On Wednesday, May 23, 2007 at the St. Boniface Hospital, Tony Koncan passed away at the age of 62 years. He leaves to mourn and cherish his memory his loving wife of 20 years, Lyle Koncan; and his children, Nada Koncan (Neil Candaele) and Yohanna Koncan (Michael Wahn). He also leaves his granddaughters, Ava, Niko and Veda who love their Papa and will miss him very much. Dad will be lovingly remembered and missed by his brothers, John, Alfonse, Mark and Henry, many nieces and nephews, as well as his father Anton Koncan and his stepmother Marie Koncan. Dad will also be fondly remembered by his many friends and business associates. Daisy, his Scottie and faithful companion, will also dearly miss him. Dad was predeceased by his mother Johanna Koncan in 1947, and his grandson Gabriele in 2005. Dad was born in the village of Brise, Slovenia on April 13, 1945. The first part of his life was spent in a country that was recovering from the economic and social hardships caused by the Second World War. Dad was raised on a small farm with many cousins under the care of his aunts. Dad had many fond memories of this time in his life and he remained throughout his lifetime very proud of the fact that he was Slovenian. In 1954, Dad left Slovenia by airplane and arrived in Canada to be reunited with his father, stepmother and brothers. Dad lived in Sudbury, Ontario until 1963 when he came out west to find work. He was successful, and was able to find employment in the heavy construction industry over the next six years. In 1969, Dad began a new career marketing mobile and manufactured homes all over western Canada. His work enabled him to travel throughout the western provinces and to experience the land and its people first hand. Dad was passionate about his work and this enthusiasm allowed him to continue to work despite illness, until he retired this past spring. Dad very much enjoyed traveling with his wife Lyle. He was able to see much of the world on numerous trips abroad and in Canada. Dad loved driving and took many trips; recreational and business that involved driving for hours. During the last 20 years, Dad reconnected with his extended family back in Slovenia. This connection was strengthened by many visits to his homeland as well as by letters, phone calls and visits to Winnipeg by his Slovenian relatives. He deeply valued the close friendships he made with his Slovenian extended family. Dad was devoted to the Koncan women; his wife daughters and granddaughters who comprised his family and spent a lot of happy time with each one of us. He consistently saw the best in us and was able to treat us as individuals. Always supportive and loving, he was there to lend a hand, give advice or provide unconditional love when that what we needed. Dad had a great smile that lit up his whole face, especially when he was with all the women who love him. Dad was a kind, warm man. He genuinely liked people. He had the ability to make friends with a varied and diverse group of people. He enjoyed learning about different cultures, religions and ways of life. He valued the friendships in his life very much. Dad also had a generous heart. He volunteered with the Sisters of Charity and served soup to the hungry, he gave away hundreds of turkeys every Thanksgiving and Christmas and he was charitable to many others in a variety of circumstances. Dad felt it was important to teach the value of sharing to his family. Dad touched many lives and those who were able to share his life were truly fortunate. A private interment will be held after which friends and relatives are invited to join in a celebration of his life to follow at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 29 at Victory Baptist Church, 3428 Portage Avenue, Pastor Archie Dyck officiating. Honourary pallbearers will be his brothers, John, Alfonse, Mark, Henry and his sons-in-law Neil and Michael. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Neil Bardal Inc. 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 27, 2007