Stefan Hreha

Stefan (Steve) Hreha died peacefully, on August 15th at the age of 97, at the Jewish General Hospital. He was pre-deceased by his wife, and his brothers Albert Hreha and Jimmy Reha (Claire Tousignant). He is survived by his son Steve Robert (Lucille Moquin), his sister Stella (Dr. John Weisnagel), sisters-in-law Olga Marejka (feu Frank Slodichak), Alice Marejka (feu Joe Lukca), Annette Marejka (feu Jean-Louis Lefebvre), Veronica Marejka (Raymond Bertrand), Eugene Marejka, and brothers-in-law, Eugene Marejka (Zenia Collins) Albert Marejka (Norma Jiggens) and many nephews and nieces. Steve emigrated to Canada with his mother and two younger brothers (Jim and Albert) in December 1936. His father came to Canada earlier, in April 1927, to establish himself in the “new world” and to make a home for himself and his family. His sister, Stella, was born in Canada. Shortly after his arrival in Canada Steve became involved in various Slovak cultural activities. In 1937, at the age of 19, he founded a literary society. On March 5, 1942 the first edition of “Kanadsky Slovak” (Canadian Slovak), a newspaper that he founded and which was the official organ of the Canadian Slovak League, rolled off the press. He was all of 24. He edited the newspaper until he stepped down as editor in 1953. The Kanadsky Slovak has the distinction of being the only surviving Slovak weekly in North America that has been published, without interruption, for over 70 years. In May of 1942 Steve was called to the Canadian Army where he remained until after the war when he was honorably discharged. While he was in the army he travelled across Canada, from Halifax to Nanimo. This wartime experience engenderd a love for Canada that endured his entire life. In 1946 he married Pauline Marejka. They had one son, Steve Robert. Over the next 7 years Steve, with the help of his wife, continued to edit the newspaper until 1953. In 1952 he was hired by Crane Canada where he rose to the position of Advertising Production Manager. In 1956 the company presented him with a cheque for a suggestion he made regarding production. He retired from Crane in March of 1983. Throughout his long life Steve wrote articles on various topics that were published in newspapers and other publications both in Canada and the USA. He wrote texts for musicals and several stage plays. His most popular stage play, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow was staged in Montreal as part of the festivities during Expo ’67 as well as in Binghamton, NY. He also wrote an article on the origin of Slovak people in Canada that was published in the Encyclopedia Canadiana. He was frequently asked to speak at public events. Dr. Anthony X. Sutherland, historian and former editor of Jednota, a Slovak newspaper published in the USA, wrote in his book dealing with the history of the Canadian Slovak League: “…Hreha is among the most prestigious Canadian Slovak journalists…” He was honored by Matica slovenska, Slovakia’s scientific and cultural institution, which presented him with the Stefan Moyses (the first chairman of Matica slovenska) medal. In 2007, he was presented with an award by the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada for his lifetime achievements in journalism. In that same year he received a jubilee trophy from the Canadian Slovak League, a fraternal organization in Canada, then celebrating its 75th anniversary. Steve had a long and productive life. To anyone who knew him he was a kind and thoughtful man who prided himself on being realistic and balanced in his views. He will live on in the cherished memories of those who loved him. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses on 7 West of the Jewish General Hospital for the care they provided my father and the compassion and understanding they showed the family. Their practice of medicine exemplified what human beings can be in the service of strangers. The family will receive condolences at Centre Funéraire Côte-des-Neiges, 4525, chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges, Montréal, Qc H3V 1E7, Tuesday August 18th, from 2pm to 5pm & 7pm to 9pm. The funeral service will be held at Saints Cyril Church, 7187 2e Avenue, Rosemont, Montréal, Qc, H2A 3G8 on Wednesday August 19th, at 10am, thence to Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you send a donation to the Jewish General Hospital foundation at www.jghfoundation.org would be greatly appreciated.