In loving memory of Justinas Stankus, who passed away peacefully at home, at the age of 96, in Sudbury, Ontario on June 5, 2023, surrounded by his best friend and beloved wife of 61 years, Birute, and his four daughters Teresa, Dijana, Joana and Vida. In his final days Justin was able to spend time with each of his sons-in-law and 11 grandchildren who were blessed to have the opportunity to express the deep love and gratitude they all shared for their grandfather.
Justin was born in Lithuania in 1926 to Antanas and Agota Stankus. In 1947, he immigrated to Canada settling in Sudbury, Ontario, where he worked for INCO (Vale) for 32 years, retiring in 1985. Justin and Birute (Grygutis) married in 1962 and raised four daughters. He was a devout Roman Catholic and parishioner of the Church of Christ the King. Justin was an active member of the Lithuanian Community in Sudbury, and enjoyed the time he spent as president of the National Guards of Lithuania, as well as the Iron Wolf Lithuanian Fish and Game Association. After 30 years in Canada, Justin was able to bring his family to visit Lithuania and share his beloved homeland.
Justin will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband and father, for his strength of character, his many sayings, and his sense of humour, always stirring up laughter at home and among friends. Justin took a keen interest in world events and politics and enjoyed a lively debate. Justin loved to spend time in nature and shared his love of the outdoors with family and friends. His lifelong passion was fishing. Justin and Birute enjoyed their retirement years spending some winters in Florida and summers at their cottage on Agnew Lake, where so many wonderful family memories were created and shared. Family was Justin’s greatest joy and treasure.
Justin is survived by his beloved wife Birute (Grygutis) Stankus, and cherished daughters, Teresa (Michael Warus) of Toronto, Dijana (Cameron Crawford) of Sudbury, Joana (Jeffrey Bell) of Sudbury, and Vida (Jim Sinclair) of Toronto. Justin will be missed and lovingly remembered by his 11 grandchildren: Amber, Zachary and Luke Warus, Grace and George Crawford, Justin, Bradley and Ryan Bell, and Tyler, Wil and Jordan Sinclair who affectionately call him “Tetuk”. Justin is predeceased by his sister Stase (Bill Kowbell), sister Tonia (Antanas Gureckas), brother Albinas (Stella Stankus) and nephew/god-son Audrius Gureckas, and will be fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews, and dearly missed by his relatives in Lithuania.
A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at 11:30 am at the Lithuanian Martyrs’ Catholic Church (Anapilis) in Mississauga at 11 am, followed by interment at St. John’s Lithuanian Cemetery. Heartfelt thanks to the exceptional support from the Palliative Care Team at the Home and Community Care Support Services, including the Bayshore nurses and Dr. Candice Walton, who helped the family navigate Justin’s last days at home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Labdara Foundation (Lithuanian Nursing Home) or to your favourite charity in Justin’s memory.
Arrangements entrusted to Sudbury Park Lawn Cremation Services, www.lougheedfuneralhomes.com