- [ ] When I think about my dad I think about the strong silent type, who played in famous movies. My dad was a real life hero though, he held a special place in my heart and in my thoughts. My dad earned and deserved the respect of our family and friends and by everyone he met. My earliest memory of my dad was him holding me up and pointing to the maple leaf mosaic in High Park. My very special and final memories were of listening, listening to him talk about history and events that occurred in his lifetime that impacted him greatly. Amazing stories, true stories that left me more appreciative of his love for our family and the sacrifices he endured. I could sense growing up that his actions were of conviction and also to anticipate future events by planning for them, this was so obvious by his actions. The family’s journey to Canada and assimilating here from what he told us would bring you to tears, sacrifices beyond words and belief. In his many times of great sacrifices and fear of the unknown it was his faith in Jesus Christ his saviour that was a major factor in enduring our families struggles for a better life. His love for us all were in his actions, a true measure of a person. I find myself stronger in my actions from his love and mums. I will miss dad and mum greatly. On their Birthdays and especially Fathers Day and Mother’s Day I will light a candle and remember always their love. May dad reach the Heavens with open arms and be with mum. I love you dad, please tell mum I love you both.
Thank you
Your loving Son Marko
As we lay you to rest, we take comfort in knowing that you are at peace, your suffering has ended and that you are reunited with Mom. Your passing has left a void in our family but we will always reflect on our many happy and fond memories. I am grateful to you and Mom for the many sacrifices you endured to bring us safely to Canada. My memories of that journey from Europe to Canada are based on that of a very young child. Now as a grown adult, and father to my own son, Mark, I can only imagine the courage and conviction you had to bring Mom ,and your young sons on that journey in search of a better life. I learned what strength is from your daily selfless acts that allowed us to have the life we enjoy today. God bless you. You and Mom will always be loved and missed.
Matt (Ursula), Grandfather to Mark (Rosalind), Great Grandfather to Elena
and Jakob.
I am so great full and proud to have had my father in my life. He taught me to be humble and great full for every day you walk on this earth. He held my hand to guide me. He walked with me when I needed his support. He talked to me when I needed to see thing clearer and he listened to me when I stood alone. My father , you will always be in in my heart and I will cherish each and every day until we meet again.
After a blessed 93 years of life you have now been called home to join your beloved wife Manda. Ivan was a wonderful father-in-law. He was a quiet, soft spoken man who was kind and generous to his family, friends and his church. When I was blessed to join this beautiful family, I brought 4 young children with me, whom Ivan and Manda immediately accepted as their grandchildren. All of our children have taken your name, and our granddaughter- your great granddaughter has your name as well.
When we first met the family, Ivan always had wonderful stories to share with me and with the children and his smile was unforgettable. His resilience and ability to adapt and assimilate in such a challenging circumstance was inspiring. Not being able to speak the language and knowing no one when he arrived to Canada, Ivan was the solid foundation of his family and modelled true leadership in guiding his young family to build a new life here and to find their own personal happiness and successes. He was so very proud of his boys and the men they grew up to become and the fathers they were as well. There is no greater accomplishment than knowing you did your job well as a parent and I reassured Ivan & Manda many times what an outstanding job they did through the adversities they faced. Ivan, I will miss your sweet smile, sharing a glass of wine at dinner and hearing you share your stories. You were a true and good man and you will be deeply missed by everyone who knew you and loved you. Rest well and share the rest of eternity with Manda.
Love Always
Stephanie Vrkljan, Jenna Vrkljan, Jon Tate, Michelle Vrkljan, Alice Vrkljan, Blake Vrkljan, Evan Vrkljan
I am sad you have passed but feel joy you have joined Mom in heaven because I know you have missed each other. I will cherish the days you laughed so hard when your grandsons Ivan and Jack as toddlers would walk around with your Rosary around their neck, your Bible under their arm or wearing your Licka Kapa. I have enjoyed your stories of the past and enjoyed watching you embrace technology by showing your grandchildren on Google Earth your home before coming to Canada. We all love you very much and we will all miss you. The kids asked to give hugs to Baba for them.
Love Tracy, Tricia (Kobus), Andrew, Ivan, Jack and Israel.