Obituary of Peter Plesa

July 1, 1935 - Gornji Kosinj, Croatia

June 18, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Peter was born in Gornji Kosinj, Croatia on July 1, 1935, to Ivan and Maria Plesa. He was the seventh of nine children. Life was extremely difficult during World War II and the subsequent formation of communist Yugoslavia. Despite the difficulties in the old country, he had some good times and earned his trade as a millwright. Peter escaped Yugoslavia by foot in 1956 with his two brothers to Austria where they spent six months in a refugee camp prior to coming to Canada. He and his brothers settled in Noranda, northern Quebec.  There he worked at the smelter where he earned a good wage and was able to help support his family.

In late 1958 Peter moved to Calgary to join some family members.  In Calgary he worked in various industries until joining his brothers in the family machining business. Family was very important to Peter. He never married and lived with his mother Maria whom he cared for throughout her life.

Peter had a zest for life.  He loved to travel, particularly to his beloved Croatian homeland where he spent many extended summers with his family and friends at his Sabunike home.

He is survived by his brothers George and Matt (Pierette), sister Mandy, cousin Ankica in Australia, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Peter was a wonderful brother, uncle, and friend to many. He will be remembered for his kindness to all. Nothing was ever too hard for Peter. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. There are not enough words to describe Peter, but some are… witty, honest, proud, social, resilient, dedicated, a hard worker, an exceptional tradesman, and a devoted soccer player/fan; he was truly one of a kind!

George, Darka, Kathy and their families will miss him profoundly. Our hearts are with him, and our fond and endless memories will never fade.

“Počivaj u miru Stric Pere”

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14^th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.

Funeral Services will be held at Our Lady of Marija Bistrica Croatian Catholic Church (14680 Deer Ridge Dr SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, June 23, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Peter Plesa, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.