"Grief is the price we pay for love."

“Tuga je cijena koju placamo za ljubav.”

Peacefully, with his loving wife holding his hand, Janko took his last breath on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at the Credit Valley Hospital at the age of 88. Janko and Barica shared 62 and a half loving years of marriage and countless years growing up together in their beloved village of Pravutina. Janko was a devoted father to Nik and Rose and an adored grandfather to Kayla, Nicole, and Jessica. His legacy of love, strength, and courage to face the unknown will continue through them all.

He is predeceased by his parents, Nikola and Roza Crnic, brothers, Mija Crnic (Tomica and Zdravko with family), Nikola Crnic (Zeljko and Mario with family) and Ivica Crnic (Irena with family), sisters Marica Ofak (Dragica and Maryann with family), and Milka Bahoric (Boris and Zeljko with family).

Anica Badovinac (Lily, John with family) is his last surviving sibling. Their admiration for each other is evident through the countless years they shared.

Janko is also survived by his loving niece Danica Sajko (Jennifer and Branimir), who lived with him and Barica.

In 1962, Janko departed his village and his wife of less than one year and set off to Germany for a better life. He worked at Mercedes, where he thrived, before heading to Canada. Fiercely proud, he took on jobs in construction and sales until he ultimately became "the guy" you called to fix things. Janko believed in an honest day's work, whether going off to work or simply offering a helping hand to friends and family. His reputation speaks for itself.

Janko leaned into faith – he became a member of Our Lady Queen of Croatia Parish (Toronto Croatian Church) in 1963. His journey with God and faith continued as he migrated to Mississauga with his young family and became a member of the Croatian Martyrs Parish (Mississauga Church). Despite having no physical structure, he volunteered his time to help establish and promote a community of churchgoers who met weekly to practice their faith in the gymnasium of Mary Fix Catholic School.

Janko loved life. He loved being a part of the Karlovac Club. As one of its founding members, he celebrated his heritage, culture, and love for food, drink, and dance. He was passionate about life and believed in honesty and integrity – "Your word needs to mean something."

In lieu of flowers and in honour of his life and legacy, those who wish to donate:

In honour of his loving granddaughter Nicole Smiciklas
Jurvinski Hospital and Cancer Centre Foundation - Gift of Health (hamiltonhealth.ca) - Family to forward donation.

In honour of his birthplace and where he met his devoted wife
Crkva Pravutina – Family to forward donation.

All are welcome to join his family and friends to remember a loving soul and a man who lived his life to the fullest - he will be deeply missed.

For those who wish to participate in prayer, the rosary will be at 8:00 on Tuesday.

The mass will be streamed live on YouTube for those unable to attend in person. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m__3cJ5KPQ0

Please wear a mask if you are sick or feeling unwell. Masks will be provided.