CUMBERLAND — Bojan Panow, 77, died Nov. 1, 2009, after a brief struggle with cancer. He was born 1932 in Sophia, Bulgaria and escaped to the West at age 17, eventually becoming a Canadian and later an American citizen. He moved to Allegany County with his wife of 41 years, Isabelle, almost 25 years ago.

Proficient in 7 languages, he worked for IBM and spent decades as a businessman and Cold Warrior in endeavors that took him around the world, many of which became familiar anecdotes shared over beers at various local taverns. If only half of his stories are true, he played an important role in the long-term strategy leading to the fall of communism in Europe and the Soviet Union.

He relished the air of mystery he fostered and liked to challenge people to guess where he was from. Known locally for his old Mercedes Benz, Greek fisherman’s cap, and his affinity for Budweiser, he was a fixture anywhere he could find a good debate. He loved to ‘stir the pot’ to test people’s reactions. If he respected your intellect, he would spend hours discussing politics and economics with you, but lose that respect and he could just as easily ignore you.

An astute, if unconventional businessman, he loved playing the angles for the entertainment value as much as anything else. He had real estate ventures locally on Bedford Road, as well as in California, Virginia, and New York.

He is survived by his wife Isabelle (Losier) Panow; in-laws Suzanne, Bernadette, Paul, Roger, and Roland Losier; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and only sister.

Visitation will be held at Scarpelli’s Funeral Home on Monday, Nov. 16, from 4 to 6 p.m.

A wake will be held at Bullwinkle’s Pub following the visitation.