Passed away peacefully, on Tuesday June 30, 2020 at Milton Hospital at the age of 87. He was the beloved husband of Anna Bezjak, loving father of sons Yerko (Arizona) and Peter (spouse Diane) and devoted grandfather of Nicholas and Tanner (Florida). Loved by his stepchildren Lorie and Steven Bezjak and their families. He is predeceased by his parents (Ivan and Iva), sisters and brothers-in-law Maria Nosich (Marijan) and Bosiljka Sterpin (Ben “Mići”). Many nieces and nephews enjoyed being part of his full life.

Born in Lovreč, Croatia, he was one of the many immigrating to Canada in the early 1950s, coming from Austria in his early 20’s to Sudbury, Ontario where he worked as a hard rock miner for many years. In his early years as a new Canadian, he shared his passion for soccer by founding the Croatian Adria Soccer Club and playing alongside brother-in-law Mići. Although he moved to Toronto in the mid-1960s to start working for Chromalox, he regularly returned to his favourite outdoor fishing and hunting spots in the North. The regular treks to Manitoulin Island and Missanabie, formed the basis of endless storytelling and laughter. His hallmark was his respectful, happy and easy going nature. He was blessed with an active retirement life shared with his cherished Anna and her family, travelling to ride his beloved Croatian countryside on his Honda Goldwing, driving to the Florida sun and spending many days at the Karlovački Park engaged with his circle of friends. His gentle, generous and kind ways were matched equally by his love of adventure and life, and he will be greatly missed by everyone.

Due to current pandemic restrictions, the celebration of life is limited to a private family gathering.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.