Steve (Stipe) Papez

November 13, 1936 - November 5, 2023

In Loving Memory ~

Steve passed away peacefully surrounded by love on November 5, 2023, at the age of 87. Steve was born on September 13, 1936, in Udbina, Croatia to Mile and Franka Papez.

Steve lived in Italy and Germany before moving to Australia in 1960 where he met and married his beautiful wife, Stella. Stella and Steve moved to Toronto, then to Vancouver in 1970. Steve worked as a machine operator at Dairyland for 25 years.

He retired at the age of 58 and moved to Campbell River so he could enjoy fishing, camping and hunting with Stella. The two of them were quite the team, sharing a very special love and devotion towards each other.

Steve loved spending time with his friends who he considered family and he especially enjoyed hosting them in their home. He enjoyed his daily coffee meetings with friends, mornings with Bill at the White Tower Restaurant and afternoons at Starbucks.

He was strong in his Catholic faith and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Steve was proud of his Croatian heritage and a devoted fan of his Croatian Soccer Team which brought him much pleasure as he watched their games.

Steve was loyal, respectful, honest and hardworking. He was a genuine person who loved talking to and getting to know people. He will forever be remembered for his kindness, his generous nature and his integrity.

He was predeceased by his parents Mile and Franka Papez, his sister and brother-in-law Ana and Bruno Petrali, his father and mother-in-law Hristos and Eleni Lazarou, his brothers-in-law Leo, Kostas, Leonida, Odysis, Damitris, Peter and his sisters-in-law Evangella and Kola.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years Stella, his nephew Aris, his sisters-in-law Silvis, Despina, Helen and Stavroula and many nieces, nephews, family, Kumovi and friends in Croatia, Greece, Australia, Canada and the United States.

Stella would sincerely like to thank all their wonderful friends and neighbours for all the love and support she and Steve received especially these last 6 1/2 years.

A special thank you to Bill and Surinder Tsangaris, Gurdeep and Kulwinder Sidhu, Ivan and Margaret Klaric, Virginio and Fatima Ferreira, Ivan and Marija Cizmic, Zvonko and Sanda Culo and their families. Thank you to Father Jan and Father Mel for the many visits and prayers with Steve over the years.

A special thank you to the visiting ministry from St. Patrick's Parish, especially recently Robert and Lorraine.

A heart full of gratitude to Dr. Veerapin and Dr. Noel for the exceptional care and kindness shown to Steve. A special thank you, with big hugs, for the wonderful care and love that Steve received from the staff at Discovery Harbour Seniors Care Home.

Much appreciation to the Hornby staff who were so special to Steve over the past 6 1/2 years.

A funeral mass will be held November 20, 2023, at 10:00 am at St. Patrick's Church at 34 South Alder Street, Campbell River. A prayer service will be held on November 19, 2023, at 7:00 pm at St. Patrick's Church.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in memory of Steve Papez to the Campbell River Hospital Foundation.