Obituary of Anton Sitar

October 24, 1926 – Whitemouth, Manitoba

August 17, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Anton “Tony” Sitar on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at the age of 95 years.

Born in the rural Municipality of Whitemouth, Manitoba, October 24th, 1926, Tony worked hard on the family farm until he took a job with CN Rail and then employment in Kapuskasing, Ontario at the Kapuskasing Paper Mill. After marrying his loving wife Mary in 1953, Tony and Mary moved west in 1956 to Hinton, Alberta for new employment opportunities with Northwestern Pulp and Power Ltd. They became members of a thriving, exciting new community in which they raised their family.

Tony was a proud husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, lovingly known as Papa. He was loyal to family life and took pleasure in family time spent fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, camping, woodworking, gardening and travelling. Even with his busy work commitments, he made time to build backyard skating rinks, drive to ski hills or hockey tournaments, support educational pursuits of his children and always encouraged them to do their best. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, whether helping them learn to ride a bike or play outside in the snow, he loved them unconditionally and always shared words of wisdom.

Tony was an integral part of the Hinton Pulp Mill start-up in 1956 and its subsequent years of success, advancing to the position of Pulp Mill Superintendent and assisting with the Mill expansion project in 1989. After 34 years of dedicated service to Hinton Pulp, Tony retired in November 1990, and he and Mary enjoyed an amazing retirement filled with family and friends. Many happy memories were made enjoying cruises and as “snowbirds” in Arizona. In 2017, Tony and Mary continued their retirement in Calgary, Alberta.

Second to his dedication and commitment to his family, Tony proudly served the residents of Hinton as a Municipal Town Councillor for 28 years and was instrumental to bring about many positive changes to the community and surrounding area, including the approval for the original Pine Valley Seniors Lodge founded in 1999. Tony also dedicated his time on many municipal and provincial boards and associations, too numerous to list. One of the many accomplishments he was most proud of was his involvement with the Yellowhead Highway Association, where he strongly advocated for the twinning of Highway 16 between Wabamun and Hinton. Over the years, the twinning of this stretch of highway, has saved lives and made travel much safer for those who live in and visit the communities of the Yellowhead region.

The hard work and dedication to improving the lives of his family, friends and broader society was Tony’s personal goal, and countless people were positively impacted by his dedication and service. He always made time for a deep conversation with anyone who needed him, and he loved to discuss politics and current events over a good cup of coffee.

Tony is survived by his children and their spouses, Wayne Sitar of Calgary, Gary and Charlene Sitar of Hinton, and Shirley and Alan Mann of Calgary; grandchildren, Bradley and Afton Sitar of Hinton, Jenna Sitar of Hinton, Blair Sitar of Edmonton and, Emily Mann of Calgary; great-granddaughter, Isla Sitar of Hinton; his sister Clara Racine of Toronto; as well as several nephews, nieces, and numerous friends.

Tony was predeceased by his loving wife Mary (nee Mociuk); his parents, John and Paulina Sitar; his sisters, Minnie LaVallee, and Jean Dreger-McKeever; and brother Edward Sitar.

If friends and family so desire, donations can be made to Pine Valley Expansion Fundraising, 522 East River Road, Hinton, Alberta T7V 2G3 https://pinevalleyfundraising.ca/ or the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories, Allendale Professional Centre, #306, 10430 61 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 2J3 https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en.

Thank you, Dad (Papa), for the many life lessons and love that you shared with so many. We are so proud to be yours. We will miss you dearly.

In keeping with Tony’s wishes, cremation will occur and a memorial for friends and family will follow at a later date. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Tony Sitar, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.