Julius Salay
elevated Wn9m6 March 10, 1944 ~ September 24, 2026
elevated Wn9m6 Visitation
Saturday, October 3, 2026
9:15am – 10:00 am
Queen of Heaven Catholic Funeral Home
7300 Highway 27, Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 1A5
elevated Wn9m6 Funeral Mass
Saturday October 3, 2026 at 10:30 am
Queen of Heaven Catholic Funeral Home
7300 Highway 27, Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 1A5
elevated Wn9m6 Entombment of Cremated Remains
Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery
elevated Wn9m6 7300 Highway 27, Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 1A5
elevated Wn9m6 Obituary
elevated Wn9m6 It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Julius, at Valley Manor in Barry’s Bay at the age of 82.
elevated Wn9m6 Born in Budapest, Hungary in 1944, Julius excelled in trade school where he became a young airplane mechanic at Malev Hungarian Airlines. Longing for an opportunity for a better life, Julius moved west to Germany with his new wife Mary (Marika) in 1969. Later that year they settled in Toronto, Canada and within a year had their first child, Colette. 5 years later they were blessed with a second daughter Shirley, and 5 years later again with their son Peter.
elevated Wn9m6 Julius was a very hard worker and within a few years of immigration he was hired by Air Canada where he predominantly worked on Boeing 747’s, working night shifts his entire career until retirement. To build security for the family, Julius also worked overtime for years at a tool and die machinery shop, often sacrificing full weekends to help pay down the mortgage faster. His dedicated work ethic allowed his family, now with 3 children, to be mortgage free by the time he was 36, which is remarkable considering he and Mary arrived in Canada with essentially nothing in their pockets.
elevated Wn9m6 Sadly, Julius’ first wife Mary died young at 59 following a battle with cancer. Within a few years he retired and decided to leave city life behind and found solace on Papineau Lake. He purchased one of the last empty lots and built his retirement home.
elevated Wn9m6 Julius was fortunate to find love again and at 64, he married Anna at St. Hedwig’s Church in Barry’s Bay on August 9, 2008. Anna was a dedicated and loving wife to her ‘Froggie’ prince. With her Polish heritage, Anna merged seamlessly into life in the Barry’s Bay area. Together, Julius and Anna enjoyed many years of retired life on Papineau Lake. Their home was often filled with neighbours from the lake, as well as family and friends from the city, whom they hosted with delightful meals and laughter. They found joy together on Papineau Lake, whether it was cruising the lake on their pontoon boat, gardening, tree planning or going for walks. Their shared love for travel had them cruising to Alaska, enjoying sunny beaches in Cuba, and exploring Hungary and Poland. Anna placed all her loving energy into caring for Julius as he battled dementia, including his last years at the Valley Manor.
elevated Wn9m6 Julius was predeceased by his parents Gyula and Julianna, his older brother Laszlo, and his first wife Mary. He is survived by his wife Anna, children Colette, Shirley, Peter, stepdaughter Monica (Kris), and grandchildren: Lex, Carter, Lauren, Charley, Amelia and several relatives who are still in Hungary.
elevated Wn9m6 Julius’ family will be forever grateful for the exceptional and compassionate care of the nursing and support staff at Valley Manor, especially Claudia, Maggie, Lucy, Angela, Debbie, and Chantel (and all the rest of the staff we may have missed who helped Julius). A special thank you to Lucille for being with the family at the end.
elevated Wn9m6 A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery and Funeral Home, 7300 Highway #27, Woodbridge, ON, Saturday October 3, 2026, at 10:30 am followed by interment and reception.
elevated Wn9m6 Donations in Julius’ memory to the exceptional Barry’s Bay Valley Manor (St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation) are welcome and appreciated.
