JOZEF CASAR

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JOZEF CASAR Jozef Casar, born February 2, 1928 in Markovci, Slovenia passed away peacefully, at the age of 83 years, at Charleswood Care Centre on October 16, 2011. Joe was the beloved husband of Juliska Casar. He also leaves behind his sons Stan and Marjan Casar as well as daughter-in-law Stephanie, his grandchildren Dominic, Mercedes, Francesca, and brother Ludvik, and sister-in-law Cecilija Casar. He is predeceased by his father Peter, mother Maria, and brother Milan Casar all from Markovci, Slovenia. Joe's philosophy was that without change, you don't grow, as evident in the way he lived his own life. Joe was an altar boy during his younger years and in his teens started his career as a soldier. By 28, looking for further adventure, he decided it was time to leave Slovenia and build a better life. On March 25, 1957 both he and Juliska made the decision to cross the border, and after two days of hiding in the forest, made it safely into Austria where they were married on June 22, 1957. This was followed by a long journey to Canada, which ended in Winnipeg, Manitoba on August 8, 1957. During their first night in a different country with a new language, they were fortunate to encounter a good Samaritan who took them into his home and helped them find jobs in the construction and sewing industry. Looking for a better life for his young family, Joe decided to pursue another challenge, in the form of a bartending course. This landed him into his true calling in life, the hospitality industry. Customers became good friends and were used to hearing Joe's shout of shoot em again in the cocktail lounge of the Hungarian Village restaurant. With Juliska and Steve and Agnes Perkic as partners, they grew a successful business. As a retirement award, Joe and Juliska took an extended vacation to Hawaii, New Zealand and Australia visiting relatives and meeting new friends. Joe's sense of humour and zest for life will always be remembered by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. The family would like to express their extreme gratitude to Dr. Fayed Salem, for many years of visiting and taking care of our Ati . We would also like to thank the staff of Maples Personal Care Home, for their patience, and understanding while assisting Joe during his last years. We also extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to the kind and sincere staff of Charleswood Care Centre. These people helped not only Joe, but also his family in his final stages of life. Prayers will be said at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2011. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 20, 2011, at Our Lady of Lourdes Slovenian Church, 95 MacDonald Avenue with Rev. Fr. Stan Gacek officiating. Interment will follow at Green Acres, 1 Green Acres Lane, Springfield, Manitoba. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba, at http://www.alzheimer.mb.ca/ or by calling (204) 943-6622. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 18, 2011