Vasil Patsko

Vasil Patsko was born in the village of Zhelevo, Macedonia November 28th, 1907
to Done and Sophia (nee Hadjipaul) Patsko. Siblings included Elinka (died in infancy)
Louis, Zoya, and Alex.

As a young boy, he played music with his father and younger brothers. He played by ear
all through his musical career, but received formal musical training while serving compulsory
military service in the Greek army. He played the clarinet predominately, also many instruments including the violin, saxophone, and trumpet.

In the old country, he was invited to play at weddings in all parts of the
regions of Kostur, Lerin, Solun, Prespa, etc..

He married Sophia in Jume 1931, daughter of Risto and Mara (nee Nickolou) Dibranou.

His father made several journeys to the United States and Canada before settling in Toronto which resulted in Vasil joining him in 1937.

In December 1939, he was joined by his wife and three daughters, Pearl (Mrs. Louis Trenton) Marina (Mrs. Chris Marko) and Kay (Mrs. Jack Wilson) just before immigration was stopped by the Second World War in Europe.

He worked with his father and brothers in the family owned restaurant "Paul's Lunch" St. Clair and Dufferin from 1937-1956.

At the same time, he formed a band and played at many functions including, weddings, engagements, dances, and parties in Canada, Toronto, Hamilton, London, Windsor, etc., and in the United States, Buffalo, Detroit, Rochester, Syracuse, Akron and Columbus Ohio, Gary Indiana, etc.

In the late 1940's, he recorded two albums of old country music at the House of hamburg, which lead to having one of his records played on the Jewish radio program in 1947. He also appeared with Bert Niosi and Jack Evan's orchestras (teo-prominant Toronto band leaders.) Singers on the records included: Turpo Stefoff, and Sophia Dineff.

Some of his band members included: Louis Patsko (drummer), Elia Butseff (piano), Jimmy Tomev (trumpet), Eddie Fedisinski (accordian), Kime ??? (clarinet), Johnny Nichols (clarinet), Steve Necheff (drummer), and several others.

Vasil passed away July 31, 1974 after many years of failing health and has been greatly missed by his family, relatives and many, many friends, young and old alike. Fondly remembered for his kindness, music, and great story telling. His wife Sophia, passed away December 15, 2001. They left behind a family of 3 daughters and 3 son-in-laws, 5 grand children and 9 great grand children.

The picture below is of Vasil Patsko and His Macedonian Orchestra.
Vasil Patsko - Clarinet, Elia Butseff - Violin, Louis Patsko - Drummer, Eddie Fedisinski - Accordian, Jimmy Tomev - Trumpet and Kime - Clarinet.



With permission from, Marina (Patsko) Marko