Karlo was a caring man who always put others first. He was kind, generous and was always positive. We have all witnessed his mountain of patience and want to be the same way in our lives. When you think of the word chivalry you would most definitely associate that definition to Karlo. He was a pure gentleman, a kind of gentle knight, displaying respect and honour to everyone he encountered.
Karlo was an electrician having his own business as a subcontractor. He started his trade back in Croatia and continued in Canada when he immigrated back in the 1960s. He was looking for a better life in a free country and back then Canada was the place to be. Before settling in Toronto, Ontario, Karlo took his family to France to live for a year. Then the entire family, Karlo, his wife Ana, son Dubravko and soon to be born daughter, Veronika, took the courageous trip to live in a different country and a different continent for that matter.
With only two forks, two knives, two spoons, one suitcase of clothing and a little money, Karlo trail-blazed the way to a new future. Not speaking a word of English, they had the help of the Croatian community to get a job, a place to live and a brand-new start in life.
Karlo had a love for travel and he loved flying in planes. He visited many various Caribbean destinations like Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Antigua and Mexico to name a few.
Karlo loved fishing and took his family on many fishing trips. On one of his Caribbean trips, Karlo’s adventurous side had him sign up for a fishing trip in the ocean on a small boat where he caught a huge Marlin fish.
Our fondest memories of Karlo was spending time in his backyard under the big cherry tree and eating fruit from the apple, pear and plum trees. Karlo and his wife Ana enjoyed working in their huge vegetable garden which they shared all kinds of crop with anyone who would want it. While raising their two children they found time to make home made wine, pickling jars of pickles, cherries, or peppers all in the storing traditions they learned by living in a tiny Croatian village. They were content at having their family in the backyard for BBQs, drinking wine and appreciating the simple things in life. Karlo was not a complicated man but valued family traditions where everyone spent treasured time talking and laughing together.
Karlo was an ultimate host always offering food and drink and always asking if you needed more. He was always concerned that his guests never leave feeling hungry or thirsty.
Karlo was an animal lover and you could see there was a natural connection to all animals he came in contact with. Our family dog, Marlee, was always more excited to see Karlo and he reciprocated the emotion.
Karlo was part of the Croatian Seniors Club in Mississauga where he could socialize with many fellow Croatian friends by attending picnics, fundraising, dances and trips to the south.
Karlo and his beloved wife, Ana, were married for 52 years before she passed in 2016. He loved his children and grandchildren and was a devoted father. He taught them to be good people and treat everyone with respect and patience. He instilled a hardworking ethic and the willingness to say yes when someone asked for help. He also taught us to be strong and to stand up for what’s right.
All who knew Karlo will miss him for his smile, jolly laugh, warm blue eyes and generosity …a blissfully magnificent presence!
We love you and you are forever in our hearts,
Your loving family
