Jozef Rupar

Joe was born as a prisoner of war in a Ober Mistoittol, a German forced labour work camp on March 3, 1943 to Ana and Franc Rupar, moving home to Mrslava vas, Yugoslavia after the end of World War Two. The family slowly rebuilt their life, and Joe began his love of hunting and fishing at a young age to help feed his large family. After completing his training as a soldier with the Yugoslavian army, he choose to start a new life and immigrated to Canada in 1967 with only $5 in his pocket, starting his 50 year career in auto body repair, refinishing and towing.

In 1968, Joe’s childhood sweetheart Marija joined him in Canada where they began their new life together. In 1981, Joe took the leap and bought McBride Auto Body and moved to the Robson Valley. The valley reminded him of Slovenia and he loved the freedom he found in the countryside. In 1987 he added 24 hour towing services to the business and he spent many hours pulling people out of precarious situations, giving up sleep and family time to ensure others could safely get where they needed to. His compassion was generous, ensuring anyone in struggle got the support they needed and a fair chance at opportunity. In 2017 he sold his towing business, in 2019 he sold the Auto Body shop and began retirement where he spent his time fishing, hunting, gardening and enjoying time at the lake with Marija and his family. The mountains in the valley brought him much joy and he loved to tell stories about his backcountry adventures.

Joe was predeceased by his son Robert, parents and all thirteen of his siblings. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Marija; daughters Rosemarie (Mikel), Ana Marija (Matthew); grandchildren Zachary (Pascal), Kiersten (Dakota), Emma (Adrian), Robert and Ryan. His grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life and he loved to spend time with each of them, telling them stories about the Slovene heritage and teaching them to love to hunt and fish.

The family expresses deep gratitude for the compassion and kindness received during his brief stay at McBride Hospital as well as to the many community members who supported Joe and Marija during this difficult time. We are forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the McBride and District Hospital Auxiliary.

To honour Joe’s final wishes, no services will be held.