It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Milan Slamka, on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at the age of 91 at Henley House in St. Catharines. Beloved husband to Elena Slamka of 64 years. Loving father to Stefan (Linda) and Klara Kross (Robert). Cherished grandfather to Amanda Slamka, Hailey Slamka, Rachael Kross and Alex Kross. Milan was born in Pezinok, Slovakia in 1929 where he spent the first half of his life. He was a highly intelligent and philosophical man, who learned to speak 9 different languages. His passion was classical music, reading books in many languages and being outdoors in tune with nature. But what made him truly the man he was, was his never wavering faith in the Lord. Milan was on his way to the priesthood when expelled from the seminary by the invading Soviet forces at the end of WWII. It was after this that he met the love of his life, Elka, and started their family. Driven by his Faith and Love for his family, Milan and family escaped communist persecution in 1968, to provide limitless possibilities for his family in Canada with only two suitcases in hand. Five months later the family immigrated to St. Catharines to start a new life—free of persecution. Milan continued his education at Brock University and became a French teacher with the Niagara District Catholic School Board until his retirement in 1989. He was a member of the Canadian Slovak League - Branch 31, as well as a choir member at the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria. Milan was loved by everyone who knew him. He had a gentle, kind and spiritual soul and will forever be remembered and cherished in our hearts. In a newspaper article written about the struggles he overcame, he said "I didn't lose hope or faith." Because of the sacrifices he made, his legacy will forever live on through his children and grandchildren. Our beloved Milan, Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Arrangements are entrusted to the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines. Due to COVID restrictions, a private Family Funeral Mass and burial at Victoria Lawn Cemetery will take place on Saturday, January 9, 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to Diabetes of Canada or St. Vincent de Paul Society