It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Anton (Toni) Roza on September 7, 2024, at home in Vancouver.
Toni, the third of six children, was born to Josip and Rosa in Kršanci, Istria (Croatia). After completing his automotive apprenticeship in 1956 at the age of 19, he walked miles across the border from Yugoslavia to Trieste, Italy to seek a better life.
In an Italian refugee camp, Toni was recruited to work in the coal mines of Merkstein, in West Germany. There, Toni met Hannelore, the true love of his life. After two years of mining maintenance and mechanical work, Toni’s immigration application to Canada was approved, and he disembarked at the Port of Montreal in 1958 to begin a new chapter of his life. Hannelore joined him a year later, and they married on December 19, 1959.
Toni’s first job was with Volkswagen Canada in Montreal, where he honed his skills as a mechanic, and after five years with the company, Toni and Hannelore opened their own service station and auto repair business. They also expanded their family with the arrivals of Mark in 1962, Alexandra in 1968, and Melanie in 1972.
The family went back to Germany for a short period, but swiftly returned to Canada in the early 1970s, heading west to Vancouver to open Adria Import Car Service, a thriving business which has operated on the same premises on East Broadway for the past 51 years. The shop attracted many auto enthusiasts, and Toni also actively mentored several apprentices over the decades.
Toni was well known for his extensive knowledge of current events, and was a keen observer of the people and politics. He was an avid reader of non-fiction books, newspapers, and magazines. As a result, he was conversant on a wide variety of subjects, and enjoyed (and instigated) lively conversations with friends and family alike, challenging views and opinions whenever possible - often debating in multiple languages and dialects at once. He brought humour and insight to gatherings, and was fond of bestowing nicknames to everyone.
But there was nothing Toni liked better than being with Hannelore, his children (and later, his grandchildren). He and Hannelore purchased a second home in Whistler, so that the family could spend quality time together, skiing and enjoying the company of extended family and friends. Watching soccer was another favourite pastime of Toni’s. He delighted in watching his grandchildren’s progression in the sport, often travelling far and wide to their tournaments.
Toni will be forever missed by his loving wife Hannelore, son Mark (m. Ingrid), daughters Alexandra (m. Dion) and Melanie. He leaves behind his grandchildren Maya, Etienne, Caelin, Eden, Gabriel and Luc, his remaining siblings Marija and Carlo, and extended family in Canada, Germany and Croatia. The family would like to especially thank Dr. Tom Neville and Dr. Michael Copeland for their care and support these past 9 years managing Tony’s illness with myeloid leukaemia and kidney amyloidosis.
A celebration of Toni’s life will be held at a later date for family and friends.