August 2, 1929 - February 26, 2024
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of our beloved Opa, father, and husband, Antoni Tesar, at the age of 94 years.
Toni will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Betty Coyne; son-in-law, Patrick; granddaughters, Lisa and Shannon; as well as many extended family members. He was predeceased by his wife, Anna, and his many brothers and sisters in Europe.
Toni was born in Zabonosi, a small Czechoslovakian town near Prague, as the youngest boy of eight children. Although farm life kept the family busy, Toni was close with his mom and lovingly remembered her many favourite dishes. Sadly, the challenges of war-torn Europe would affect Toni’s opportunities for his future, leading to his decision to seek employment in Germany with his brother, Rudy. After a few years of various jobs in both Germany and Belgium, Toni continued his pursuit of a better life and emigrated to Canada.
Toni landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1951. He journeyed across Canada, working in mines, forestry camps, and construction sites, including the building of the Wabamun Generating Station and the rebuilding of Jasper Park Lodge. He was a frequent customer of Edmonton’s European cafés, where he met his wife-to-be, Anna. After marrying in 1955, Toni continued to work seasonal jobs in the area, including operating an asphalt roller, clearing snow, and wiring street lights. He also worked out of town as far away as Keno Hill, Yukon Territory. In 1965, Toni got a permanent job with Edmonton Power, where he remained until his retirement in 1988. He was well-known for his kindness, discipline, and infallible work ethic. Though he had been taught from a young age to embody the “strong and silent” male persona, his playful and mischievous nature was obvious to all who knew him.
Throughout his life, Toni fostered a passion for nature and the outdoors. He loved gardening, hunting, fishing, and even built a truck camper to support his outdoor pursuits. While working at Wabamun Lake, Toni discovered one of his favorite fishing spots, and could often be seen casting from the dikes with his daughter, Betty. He loved playing pool, cards, chess, and supporting his family. He was always available to help his son-in-law, Pat, with any backyard project, from roofing the Pigeon Lake cabin, to building a kitchen island, to replanting spruce trees with the tree spade. Toni also loved good food, and was spoiled by his wife's delicious cooking and baking. He adored Anna and happily did anything for her during their 66 years together, including acting as her chauffeur, mechanic, carpenter, and even babysitter for his two beloved granddaughters.
In his later years, Toni continued to enjoy cards, growing tomatoes and geraniums, building birdhouses, and the company of friends and family. The family wishes to send a special thank you to his in-home caregivers, who provided so much love and companionship during his final years.
A funeral service will be held at Park Memorial, 9709 - 111 Avenue on Monday, March 4th, 11am on Monday, March 4th at 11:00am followed by “Kaffee and Kuchen” (coffee and cake with a light lunch) in the adjoining hall. A private family interment will occur after the reception at St. Michael’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Alberta Lung Association or a charity of one’s choice.
