“Oh heck, what a dream! That’s beautiful. Unbelievable.” These were some of the most common phrases we would hear our dad say. Whether it was to describe a particularly delicious dish our mom prepared, anything that worked really well mechanically, a beautiful car (and he had many over the years), a well-fitted suit or, a favorite actress in a romantic movie that he never got tired of watching. (Julia Roberts - Pretty Woman comes to mind), Dad had a way of expressing his excitement and enthusiasm.

Born in 1937, Ivan was the eldest son of Ivan and Luce Brozic (nee Bajcic) of Otok Krk, Croatia. He had 5 brothers and 2 sisters, one of whom died in his arms when she was just 2 years old. Being the eldest, there were many expectations and responsibilities placed on his shoulders. As was expected of all young men at the time in Yugoslavia, Ivan had to join the military as a teenager. His love of boats began after being stationed on several ships while in training. After the war, times were tough and Ivan’s father decided it was time the family left Yugoslavia, a communist country at that time, to make a better life.

On October 1st, 1956, Ivan, 3 of his brothers, his father, a cousin, and several others made their move. They boarded a boat, recently procured by Ivan’s father, and sped into the night chased by the police, who were determined to detain them. They managed to escape and made it across the Adriatic Sea to Cremona, Italy. Soon after they settled in a refugee camp in Bari, Italy. Shortly after arriving in Bari, at the age of 19, he met Stefanija Ujcic, the love of his life. Even though Stefanija went to Australia, and he went to Canada, they stayed in touch. In 1960 Stefanija moved to Canada, and they were married. They lived with their children in Toronto until moving to Mississauga in 1978 where Ivan and Stefanija lived until she passed away in 2019.

While growing up, his children Ivan (Anne), Anna (Allyson) and Mary (Geoff), remember their father as a hardworking, “Jack-of-all-Trades”, fun and loving man that had time for everyone. He befriended people everywhere he went, often striking up conversations with complete strangers. He was the type of person who made you feel special and important. He was generous with his time and money and always ready to help if you needed it. He loved to tell stories and teach others new things-- always smiling, often complimentary. He was a car buff and although he had no formal training, he was particularly good at fixing them. He loved the freedom of driving, and his garage was his treasure chest and happy place. He spent many hours tinkering with or inventing new contraptions there. “Oh, what the mind can do”!

In his 50’s he had two brain surgeries to remove a tumor. The brain injury from these surgeries changed him forever. He had significant cognitive challenges, his speech and sight were affected and tragically, he had to give up his license. In his later years, although he didn’t speak very much, and he had difficulty processing information or instructions, he was still often smiling and, still the big hearted, kind and gentle soul he had always been. Despite their illnesses, he and his wife of 58 years, spent their time staying active (Dad loved to walk), travelling, praying but mostly caring for, supporting and helping each other. Ivan was always physically strong and Stefanija showed great mental strength and together they were the ultimate team. The love they shared was special and during these last few years, he missed her immensely.

His five grandchildren, Noah, David, Steven, Georgia, and August remember him as a quiet, kind and generous man, often greeting them with a firm handshake and a giant smile on his face. Although they never had the opportunity to know the active, creative, inventive man that his children knew, his grandchildren felt his love and gentleness, which was the core of his being.

Ivan was one of a kind and he will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dom Lipa for the excellent care and comfort they have provided to Ivan over the past couple of years.

A visitation will be held at St Patrick’s Church 921 Flagship Dr, Mississauga, ON L4Y 2J6 from 9:30 am – 11:00 am on Monday January 24th, 2022. A Funeral Mass will take place at the same location, starting at 11:00 am. Due to COVID-19 the capacity is limited, please use the registration button below to register your attendance.

Burial at Assumption Cemetery, 6933 Tomken Rd., Mississauga ON L5T 1N4, will take place immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Trillium Hospital Foundation or Dom Lipa Nursing Home.