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“Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
Merita B. McCormack
Sami “Simo” Bajraktari beloved husband, caring and loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather , was born in Cangonj, Albania on January 16th , 1936.
He passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025, in North York Hospital , in Ontario , Canada at the age of 89.
He was the eldest son of his loving parents and grew up during the World War Two and saw and witnessed many events that Albania experienced during the war, communism and beyond.
He completed his elementary education in Cangonj and Progër, in Korça County. He was briefly trained in the health care field and continued that training as he served for three years in the Albanian Army during cold war years. He completed Raqi Qirinxhi High School in Korça city and also the Medical High School there as well, at the same tine, attending both classes at night time after work.
He and his beloved wife met during a snow storm, while he was cleaning the main road and she was visiting her aunt. They fell in love and were married in November 26, 1959. They raised three children and enjoyed family time more than anything else. Sami cherished his children, his grandchildren and often introduced himself as a proud grandfather and very recently as a happy great-grandfather! He was also an avid beekeeper and very successful one.
Sami was a believer in God, grew up in a patriotic family, cherished family life, his many friends, his country of birth and his adoptive country of Canada, where he resided since 2012. He used to raise the Albanian flag every November 28th in the Albanian house balcony, marking the independence Day of Albania from the Ottoman Empire.
Though not trained as a doctor, every one called him “the doctor” due to his unmatched skills at diagnosing, medical treatment and swift, life saving interventions.
Sami worked in various villages of Albania, helping hundreds of people and saved many lives throughout his life. He spent many years , serving in the villages of Zëmblak, Zvezdë, Rrëmbec, Tren and Pojan , to name a few. He never said no whether was day or night , rain or shine, to be at the side of the sick and suffering. Even the many times the communist government did not allow him to practice for political reasons, and forced to manual labor, Sami was always the preferred medical professional people called upon due to his unique skills and knowledge. He attributed his talent to God and to Dr. Polena.
Sami was also a chess player and a champion at it.
He taught all his children and grandchildren how to play good games and he was also a great soccer player and referee.
Sami had a great, sharp mind , an outstanding memory, was a man that was determined to provide and deliver for his family, and had a very refined sense of humor.
He will be greatly missed!
The funeral and burial service will be private and in Canada.
A Mass for the repose of his soul will be held in Virginia, USA at a later date.
The family is asking for prayers for the repose of his soul and for strength for to carry out works of mercy.