Branko Stojcevski left us on February 22, 2026, at the age of 85, to join his beloved wife of 55 years, Nada Stojcevski, in heaven. Nada was the love of his life and together they had two children, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. As proud Macedonians, they were pillars of the community, always the first to sing and join the oro, a joy Branko carried in his heart even after his beloved wife passed away in 2015.
Born in Divlje, in the Skopje region of Macedonia, Branko lived a life defined by great courage, strength, and resilience. He was strong-willed and a fighter until the very end.
Branko was the son of Sare and Panza. From a young age, Branko was determined and had dreams for more. At the age of 13, he sold the family goat to buy a tie and dress clothes and pay for a photographer, smiling proudly in his portrait. This marked the start of his incredible life journey. Soon after, Branko left his parents, four siblings, and village life to pursue his dreams. He moved to the city where he found work. Then, in April of 1955, at the age of 14, he fled from Macedonia. He crossed the river at the Gevgelija border with nothing but the clothes on his back. He survived the Refugee Camps in Greece, with the help of some Macedonian men who looked out for the brave young boys who had set off on their own. He then went to Belgium in 1957 where he worked in the coal mines before boarding the SS Waterman Ship and coming to Canada in 1959. In Toronto, he met his beloved wife Nada. They married in 1960 and had a family together: a son Louis and a daughter Mary. After leaving as a child, Branko was a young 25-year-old man when he first returned to visit his family in Macedonia in 1965.
Branko was a hard-working and devoted family man. He took care of the family he created with Nada and helped his parents and siblings in Macedonia. He even brought several relatives to Canada and helped them get established in a new country. Branko’s commitment to his roots was unwavering. In 1981, he served as the President of the United Macedonians of Canada, advocating for his heritage and people. His faith and culture were further demonstrated by his ongoing devotion and support to the St. Clement of Ohrid Macedonian Orthodox Cathedral.
Branko lived a full life and his journey was legendary. He loved to learn and was a wise man with many talents. He was passionate, tenacious, and had great style. He loved to socialize, travel, play his accordion, sing, dance, cook, garden, and build and repair things. When the grandchildren were little and something would break, they would say “Dedo will fix it!” He was fiercely proud of his grandchildren and an active part of their lives growing up. He attended games, tournaments, and school events, never missing a milestone. He lived life on his own terms, said what was on his mind, fought for what he believed in, and accepted no limits.
Branko leaves behind his son Louis (Valentina), daughter Mary, his grandchildren Brandon, Jessica, Jennifer, Ashley, Shantel, Stevie, Alysha, and great grandchildren Alfonso, Elrey, Jayden, Neveah, Andre, and Mya.
Branko will be greatly missed by his family and friends. We will forever remember his strength of character, willpower, wisdom, love, and powerful voice and presence. Branko will always be deeply loved and never forgotten.
The Visitation and Funeral Service will take place at Pine Hills Cemetery and Funeral Centre (625 Birchmount Road). Visitation will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 9:00 to 10:00 am. The Funeral Service will begin at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 7, 2026 and will be immediately followed by the burial.
Funeral Details
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Visitation
Pine Hills Cemetery & Funeral Centre
625 Birchmount Road, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M1K 1R1
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Friday, 6 Mar 2026 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Visitation
Pine Hills Cemetery & Funeral Centre
625 Birchmount Road, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M1K 1R1
Get Directions
Saturday, 7 Mar 2026 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Funeral
Pine Hills Cemetery & Funeral Centre
625 Birchmount Road, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M1K 1R1
Get Directions
Saturday, 7 Mar 2026 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Burial
Pine Hills Cemetery & Funeral Centre
625 Birchmount Road, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M1K 1R1
Get Directions
Saturday, 7 Mar 2026 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Info: Section 9 - Arrival at the grave is approximate.