SKODA, Stephen Passed away peacefully at the age of 95 at his home in the Town of Mount-Royal on April 8, 2020. He was born on January 25, 1925, in Dolná Krupá, Slovakia, and emigrated to Canada with his family in 1937. With his father, Stephen co-founded in 1939 Million Carpets and Tiles, in
which he played an active role in until his passing. Along with his sons, he built it into one of the most successful floor covering companies in Canada. Stephen joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943, deployed to India as a nose gunner and received the Burma Star medal for his efforts. He was also a very proud and active member of the Slovak community. His involvement included the establishment of the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Slovak Roman Catholic Church of Montreal, where he served as past President of its social club, and worked tirelessly to raise funds through banquets, bazars, picnics, and harvest fairs. He was also a member of the Slovak Catholic Union, the Canadian Slovak league, past President of the Montreal Floor Covering Association, and was a Third Degree Knight of Columbus.

Stephen’s love of family is evident in the tremendous legacy he leaves behind. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Francesca (née Giunta), son Steven (Brenda), daughter Cynthia, parents Joseph and Mary (née Polaček) Skoda, and brothers Joseph and Paul.

Left to mourn his loss are his children: Anna (Lloyd), John (Susan), Joseph (Dianne), Robert (Kim), Anthony, Cathy (John), Frances (Shane), Charlie, Stephanie, Marko, and Theresa (Mike); Thirty-three grandchildren: Adrian, Tyler (Monica), Brendan, Jonathan (Mary), Melissa (Kevin), Amanda, Michael (Julie), Christine (Steve), Jackie (Hansak), Jason, Kristopher, Shauna, Krysti, Samantha, Clayton, Arthur (Dana), Gregory, Nicolas, Shawn, Cory, Kyle, Spencer (Rose), William, Francesca, Christopher (Jocelyn), Matthew (Stephanie), Justin, Mitchell, Oliver, Alex, Lucas, Logan and Keira; twenty one great-grandchildren: Archer, Scarlett, Dominic, Valentina, Lily, Ella, Audrey, Owen, Morgann, Finn, Declan, James, Henry, Emerson, Lexi, Willow, Finn, Milo, Liam, Emma and Sarah; brother Mario (Mary); many nephews and nieces, friends and business associates in the Slovak and Montreal communities.

A memorial service will be held at a future date. As Stephen was famous for saying, “Good luck to us!”

Special thanks to Dr. Stuart Glaser for his many years of trusted guidance. Our heartfelt thanks to Raquelle and Mel for their attentive and committed care. We also wish to thank Stephen Harper for his friendship, confidence, and advice for over fifty years.