Peter Suffak

Peter was wrapped in the arms of Jesus and took his place with the Angels on Sunday March 21, 2021 at the age of 93. An exceptional man with a gentle soul filled with grace, serenity, love and faith, he was fiercely proud of his family and his Slovak heritage.

Peter was born in Chlebnice, Slovakia on November 21, 1927. His peaceful childhood was forever changed when the Germans occupied his family home and village during the war. After the war's end, he was fortunate to attend boarding school in Trstena, Slovakia training to become a teacher.

He prayed that by the grace of God he would be able to leave Slovakia to join his mother and father in Canada. He sailed aboard the Aquitania and landed on Pier 21, Halifax, Canada on Sept 19, 1949. He then made his way to Fort William and began to work at the loading docks. He spent his days working, learning English and helping his parents and the Slovak Community.

In 1955, at the McKenzie Street dance hall, a young lady caught his eye. He married Marie Kostecki on June 9, 1956. They made their home on Northern Avenue and welcomed five children.

Peter enjoyed working for the Canada Steamship Lines at the Keefer Terminal. When a work place accident occurred in 1974 that resulted in a broken hip and crushed toes, he leaned heavily on his faith to aid him in his recovery; he successfully returned to work 18 months later. For the next 47 years he faced the challenges of these injuries with perseverance, grace and determination. After the package freight division at Keefer Terminal ceased operation in 1982, Peter worked for Western Grocers and the Canadian Slovak Legion Br 129.

Peter worked hard to keep the Slovak culture and heritage alive in Thunder Bay. His home was a pseudo-Slovak embassy as Peter helped many of his kinfolk emigrate from Slovakia, send parcels to family back home, interpret statements, translate documents, and acquire travel documents to visit their homeland.
Peter was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, the Canadian Slovak Legion Br 129, Canadian Slovak League, Jednota Society; was a founding member of the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association and Folklore Festival; led the development of the Slovak Garden at the International Friendship Gardens; formed a Slovak Dance Troupe and Choir; decorated the Slovak Christmas Tree at the Valhalla Inn; helped to form the Tatra Slovak Soccer Team; and helped to host picnics for the Slovak community. He was recognized on many occasions for his volunteer service. He also spent many evenings visiting friends at home, the hospital or long-term care centres.

Above all, Peter was a dedicated family man. He always did his best to care for his family needs: Sunday family picnics or activities, driving his children to where they needed to go, and supporting his grandchildren.
Peter is survived by his wife of 64 years Marie, his five children Marie Walsh (Mike), Annette McDonald (Tom), Jim Suffak (Maureen), Jean Suffak (Gordon Wywrot) and Patricia Salatino (Andrew), his grandchildren Robert Walsh (Michelle), Bryan Walsh (Sarah), Alex Walsh (Jayna), Peter McDonald (Lindy), David McDonald, Matthew Salatino (Jennifer), Scott Salatino, Allen Wywrot, Kristen Suffak (Donovan Lundberg) and Mark Suffak. He will also be missed by his great-grandchildren Owen and Ali Walsh, Rose and Samuel Walsh, Alayah Walsh, Dayna and Karver McDonald and Braxton Salatino.
Peter is also survived by his in-laws Ed Kostecki (Nora), Mike Kostecki (Sylvia), Marlene Kostecki and many nieces and nephews.

Peter was predeceased by his parents Jan and Frances, brother Jan and sister-in-law Maria Suffak, father and mother in-law Joseph and Maria Kostecki, brother-in-law James Kostecki, sister-in-law Stella Kusovac, and nephew Ed Kostecki Jr.

A Private Funeral Service for Peter will be held at St. Peter’s Slovak Catholic Church. Those wishing to join the service virtually may to St. Peter’s Church Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/StPeters-Church-Thunder-Bay-801501289862375/) on Monday, March 29, 2021 at 11:00 am. Should friends so desire, donations made in memory of Peter to St. Peter’s Church Renovation Fund would be appreciated. Part of his legacy lives on in each of us.

When we would leave to go home, he would always say “Zbohom, maj sa dobre” which means “goodbye, you have good”.