ZUPET, Slavko “Stan” Vekoslav

September 27, 1929 — February 5, 2023

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Slavko Zupet, of Kelowna, BC, on February 5, 2023.  He passed peacefully at the age of 93.  He was born in Mirna, Slovenia, on September 27, 1929, to Franc and Albina Zupet.

Slavko is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ivanka; son Ed (Margo); daughter Valerie (Barry); grandchildren Selina (Chris), Michelle (Alex), and Lance; brother Tone (Fani) in Slovenia; and many extended family members in Canada and Slovenia.  He was predeceased by his grandson Dallas; brother Frenk; and sister Bini.

Slavko’s life was shaped by a childhood in the depression and an active war zone in WWII Yugoslavia.  He learned to work hard and learned trades from his father.  Later, he became a technical engineer in his Yugoslav army service.  Slavko, Ivanka, and Ed immigrated to Alberta, Canada in 1957, after a short stay in Austria, living mostly in the Edmonton area while in Alberta.

Starting with nothing, Slavko built a solid business and reputation for quality craftsmanship as a stonemason and bricklayer.  He earned respect for his work, both for quality and value.  A highly sought-after tradesman, Slavko was a hard worker, usually the first on the job site.  He also liked to party, and was usually the first to show up there too; and he treasured spending time with family and friends on the weekend at the cabin at Long Lake, where many wonderful memories were made.

Slavko loved to sing and listen to Slovenian music, play his button accordion, and have a glass of wine or two.  He also loved his Slovenian culture and was instrumental in the establishment of the Slovenian Canadian Association in Edmonton in 1964.  Over the years Slavko was a very active member and assumed many roles including President, member of the Board of Trustees, member of the Slovenian choirs, and also played a leading role in the club’s 40th anniversary in 2004.  One of his favourite events at the Slovenian club was the annual masquerade dance, where he dressed up in costumes (even using stilts on one occasion).  Slavko’s efforts were acknowledged by the Slovene Emigrant Association in 2002 in Bled, Slovenia, where he was presented with a Golden Jubilee Memorial Medal for outstanding work on preserving Slovenian cultural tradition.  He was one of five awardees from Canada, and one out of 50 around the world.

Slavko was extremely creative and liked to entertain others, he always wanted people to be happy and enjoy life.  He was unpretentious, and embraced many changes in life, including moving to Kelowna in 2006 and retiring shortly after, at age 77.  Slavko loved learning and trying new things, so he found new interests, some that surprised his family such as gardening, growing grapes, drying fruit and smoking meat, canning, cooking, baking, and even fishing and mushroom picking, things he’d never done before.  In the last several years, Slavko loved to be outdoors, quietly observing nature’s hidden secrets.  He kept his mind sharp and learned how to use computers and social media, worked on Sudoku puzzles, enjoyed reading, and was known for striving for excellence in everything he did.

Slavko made many new friends in Kelowna, especially among other Slovenians, whom he loved to visit, share stories with, and sing.  Naturally, he was a member of the Slovenian Club and choir in Kelowna.

Slavko will be greatly missed by his family and friends.  He will always have a special place in our hearts.  One thing we’ll all remember is his joyful nature and hearing him shout his signature expression, “Bumba!” (pronounced: Boom-ba).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Slavko’s name to Music Heals Charitable Foundation or a charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will take place on THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2023, at 10:00 AM (PDT), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.  A reception will follow at Springfield Funeral Home.  If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by livestream at the time of the service (see below); a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

Service Details

The service for ZUPET, Slavko “Stan” Vekoslav is scheduled for THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2023, at 10:00 AM (PDT). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:

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Special Requests:

None.

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