‘Always a mensch’: Toronto shooting victim remembered as man who made his mark on many

Daniel Stopnicki, 47, of Toronto, was fatally shot in North York on April 30. (Visual Effects Society - Toronto Section/Roberto Vazquez Photography)

A Toronto man who was fatally shot in a North York park last week is being remembered as a “dedicated teacher and mentor” who was “beloved and respected” by those who knew him.

Daniel Stopnicki, who was 47, was shot near a baseball diamond at Wenderley Park, near Lawrence Avenue and Allen Road, on the afternoon of April 30.

Prior to his death, he was employed as a professor at Seneca Polytechnic.

Stopnicki is being remembered in an online obituary as a “beloved husband,” a “cherished son,” a “dear brother,” and a “great companion.”

He leaves behind his wife as well as his parents and sisters and their spouses.

A graveside funeral service and burial were held on May 3 in Vaughan.

Dozens of people knew Stopnicki have shared messages of condolence and their memories of him online.

They called him a “good and kind man” who “held a love for the world and all in it,” a friend and mentor who didn’t judge but shared hard truths, and someone whom they could call if they were ever in trouble.

Others said he was generous and humble, describing him as “always a mensch” and an “insightful, honest, and deeply thoughtful” person whose “grace went far in this world.”

The Visual Effects Society – Toronto Section shared the news of Stopnicki’s tragic death in an online post on May 2, saying he’ll be “dearly missed by the industry and his many friends.”

Stopnicki, the group said, was a “long-standing member of the Computer Graphics and Gaming communities in Toronto and a friend to many.”

“He will be remembered as an enthusiastic and ambitious innovator in real-time interactive media, leading numerous exciting companies as Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, and as a dedicated teacher and mentor to many during his time as a professor and coordinator at Seneca Polytechnic and Centennial College,” the Visual Effects Society–Toronto Section said.

“He was known and loved for his joy of exploring creative technologies throughout his many endeavours and his enduring support of students pursuing their own paths in the world of animation, gaming and VFX.”

Stopnicki taught game art and animation

Seneca Polytechnic has confirmed that Stopnicki was a current employee of theirs. He also previously taught at Centennial College on a part-time basis but not since 2008, the school confirmed.

CP24 has spoken with two of his former students at Seneca. They both expressed shock and sadness at his tragic death.

Toronto Coun. Mike Colle represents Eglinton—Lawrence, where the fatal shooting occurred late last week.

He shared in a social media post that the gun violence that took Stopnicki’s life happened while the victim was walking his dog.

Colle said last week’s incident, as well as a recent fatal shooting at a Mississauga spy equipment store that killed his former student and long-time family friend Sean Dodds, have “rocked my very soul.”

The city councillor went on to say that while he didn’t know Stopnicki personally, “it is clear that he was much loved by all his friends and students at Seneca.”

“This shooting and murder of such a beloved and respected young man makes no sense whatsoever,” Colle wrote on Facebook on May 3.

“May Daniel’s memory be an eternal blessing.”

Colle added that Stopnicki’s father, Roberto, was a director in the City of Toronto’s Department of Transportation.

Investigation continues

Police have arrested and charged 67-year-old Michael Markicevic, of Toronto, with second-degree murder in connection with Stopnicki’s death. The OPP has confirmed to CP24 that the accused was a former police officer in Collingwood.

• READ MORE: North York murder suspect was once a police officer in Collingwood

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with further information is asked to contact Toronto police at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.