We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of Stjepan Merdzan on Thursday, April 17th, at the age of 94.

Beloved father of Susan (Bob) and Bill. Proud grandfather to Alec (Christine), Adrian, Stephanie (Nick), and Alana (Conor).

Stjepan was born in Bivolje Brdo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The eldest son in a family of three brothers and two sisters, he is survived by his youngest sister Mara.

Stjepan was one of hundreds of children evacuated during World War II from Herzegovina to northern Croatia for refuge. At age 9 he left his village and did not return again until his late teens. This experience changed the trajectory of his life. He was placed with a wonderful foster family who loved him and encouraged him to excel at school. For the rest of his life, despite various challenges, ups and downs he considered himself a lucky man.

Stjepan had a successful career with the BIH Railway, where he managed the construction of the main rail line between Sarajevo and Ploce. Among our fondest childhood memories was taking the train to visit our grandmother, and having our father describe the effort it took to construct the various tunnels and bridges on that line. Despite the successful career, he decided to leave the old country and emigrate to Canada. Expo67 inspired him, and he considered Canada a land of opportunity.

In October 1968 our family arrived in Canada. As a professional Stjepan attended full time English school with the intention of requalifying. But at 37 and with a wife and two children to support he quickly realized it was time to get a paying job. His cousin Mirko helped him get a warehouse position at Woolco Woolworths. He remained there until his retirement in 1994.

In 1970 tragedy struck with the sudden death of his wife Stefica. Stjepan was left a widower with two young children, alone in a new country, with limited career opportunities, and language barriers, but none of these obstacles overwhelmed him. Stjepan was fundamentally an optimist who did not dwell on the past and did not allow himself to be gripped with fear about the future. He never lost his belief that he was a lucky man. He demonstrated to his children and later grandchildren, how a life of hard work, integrity and humility ultimately leads to contentment. His words of wisdom still resonate with all who knew him.

Stjepan was a multi-faceted man, like many people educated in Europe. He loved math and chess. He loved history, politics and geography. He loved classical music and poetry. And he loved sports, especially hockey and tennis. And most of all, he loved sharing these with his family, where even at 94, he could startle us with his encyclopedic knowledge of world geography, history, current events, and hockey stats.

He loved his grandchildren and was very proud of them. When he retired he would show up daily to help with them. He took them to school, spent many hours teaching them how to play chess and read them numerous books. He also made his famous porridge and beef stroganoff.

He taught us what aging with dignity looks like. Through many health ups and downs he remained inspirational in the stoic and dignified way he handled his diminishing abilities.

But mostly we will remember him for his quick sense of wit and humour and that wonderful knowing twinkle in his eye.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him.

Visitation and reception will be Thursday April 24th, 2025, from 4-8pm, at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. West, Toronto (East of the Jane Subway at Windermere, 416 767-3153).

Interment will be Friday, April 25th, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Peace Cemetery 3204 Cawthra Rd, Mississauga.

For those who wish to make a donation in Stjepan’s name, please consider Copernicus Lodge LTC.