Stanko "Stan" Sajnovic

SAJNOVIC, Stanko “Stan”
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Stan at Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital on  Tuesday April 26, 2022 at the age of 94.  Son of the late Augustine and Katarina Sajnovic, brother to Sabina Sajnovic (Ferre).  Beloved husband  for 66 years and best friend to Josephine Sajnovic (nee Ksela).  Cherished father of Stanley (Teresa) and Erika (Ken).   He will be greatly  missed by his grandchildren Stanley, Emily and Vanessa.  The Sajnovic Family wishes to acknowledge the exceptional care, attention to detail, and compassion of  Dr. Smith and the nursing staff of Soldiers One Ward that was given to our Patriarch during his stay at Soldiers.
Born in Vescica, Slovenia, Stan grew up on a very small farm and worked as an apprentice in his father’s cabinet shop that also made doors, windows and during the slower winter months caskets.  As a teenager was conscripted to dig trench lines for the retreating Germans and later conscripted by the Russians to be a guide behind those same trench lines.   After World War II ended he joined the resistance and helped persecuted families escape the Regime by guiding them across the fortified border to Displaced Persons camps in Austria.  British support for the resistance ended when Marshal Tito broke rank with Stalin in the spring of 1948.  Stan then fled and made a new home in Melbourne,  Australia in 1949.  He lived with an Uncle and got a job at the local furniture factory.  While visiting the Slovenian mission he met Patre Basilie who rekindled and strengthened Stan’s faith and community service commitment.  He would go with other young men to canvas for food, clothing and money for the mission.  The mission over the years got stronger and was eventually able to build a church and hall for the Slovenian community that is still the center of the Slovenian community in Melbourne along with the Slovenian Association Melbourne to which Stan was made an Honorary life member for his tireless work while in Australia.  In 1959, Stan now married to Josephine emigrated to Canada and settled in Toronto.  During the early 1960s Stan purchased a farm in Sebright, renovated the house and built a 6000 square foot barn.  In 1964 son Stanley was born and Stan started a small turkey farm, in 1966 Erika was born and a second barn was built. In the early 1970’s supply management was being suggested as a way to stabilize commodity prices for the dairy and poultry sectors of the Canadian Primary Agricultural Industry.  In 1974, the Ontario Turkey Board was established and Stan was elected in his district and served with distinction for 22 years.  Also in 1974, Stan built two more barns  and could now farm full time and continuously updated and expanded the business.  Education was very important to him so he fully supported all his children’s educational endeavours.  Working from home Stan was also able to support several Slovenian organizations and used his talents to further their causes including the Slovenian Memorial Cross at Martyr’s Shrine, Slovenski Dom in Toronto,  American Home Slovenian Newspaper,  Dom Lipa,  Planica Hunting and Fishing Club and politically as a strong moral and financial supporter of  the Christian Democratic Party in a democratic Slovenia.  His strong faith and thankfulness for his good fortune lead him to pursue philanthropic work with St. Columbkille’s Parish in Uptergrove,  St. Janeza Nepomuka Parish in Razkrizje Slovenia, and Holy Cross Parish in Krizevci, Slovenia and Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital Foundation.  Stan’s family will receive friends at St. Columbkille’s Roman Catholic Church, Uptergrove from 2 - 4 pm and 7 - 9 pm on Sunday May 1, 2022. Then from 10 am Monday May 2, 2022  until time of Mass of Christian burial at 11 am at St. Columbkille’s Roman Catholic Church. Interment to follow at St. Columbkille’s Cemetery.
Stan’s family asks friends to consider a donation to the Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital Foundation in Stan’s memory.  Stan’s family will also match any donations made in his memory. Donations may be made through the Mundell Funeral Home.