Anthony Ptak

Tony passed away suddenly on Tuesday January 9, 2024 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa at the age of 94 years.

Tony will be sadly missed by his son Steven (Theresa), his 3 grandchildren Stefan (Tomoko), Carolyn (Matt) and Jonathan (Karen) as well as his 2 great grandchildren Ethan and Mei Ptak, nephew Jason (Mariana) and other family members in France. Tony was predeceased by Mary, his loving wife of 63 years.

Of Polish descent, Tony was born on October 3, 1929 in Barlin located in the Pas-de-Calais area of northern France. Tony experienced the hardships of German occupation of France and WW2 first hand and, as a youth, he joined the cadets and eventually the Polish II Corps led by General Anders in Italy where he served in a support role.

In 1946, he immigrated to Canada and worked as a labourer on a number of farms and mines in Ontario and as far as Yellowknife, NWT. In Kirkland Lake he met Mary, his future wife, while working at the Lakeshore Gold Mine. The couple relocated to Oshawa and their son Steven was born in 1951.

Tony supplemented the family income by working at local tobacco farms during General Motors plant changeovers that often lasted several months. Unfortunately, he suffered chronic back pain and retired from GM after 35 years with a disability pension in 1985.

Above all, Tony will be remembered for his sweet nature, his gentle way and his kindness to others. Tony will live on in our hearts and we will celebrate him often in remembering his generosity and often-told stories of his youth. We have been truly blessed to have “Papa” with us well into his nineties and the many memories will comfort us as we move through this difficult time.

A private family service will be held at Oshawa Funeral Home followed by interment at Union Cemetery.