After a tough fight against formidable odds, our Dad passed away on the afternoon of July 2 2018

Son of John and Mildred, brother to Ed, husband to Grace Ann (nee Harris), father to John, Chris, Mark (Nicole) and Dan (Triptta). Proud Grandpa to Harris, Nick, Will, Ella Grace, Nirvana and Yoshaan. Uncle, Cousin, Friend.

Born October 3 1933 in the mining town of Rouyn-Noranda Quebec, son of Immigrants who made the journey from Croatia, Dad grew up in South Porcupine (Golden Ave School), Cabbagetown (Park School and Jarvis Collegiate), and Grimsby (Grimsby High School) - where the family grew cherries and peaches

A proud graduate of McMaster University in 1956, he loved reminding us -along with his Dr’s and Nurses - that some of the courses he took were pre-med. He also taught and studied at San Diego State University

Dad was a teacher at heart - from English and Phys-Ed at RH King where he met our Mom, to East York Collegiate, Vice Principal at Leaside Collegiate and finally opening the last high school in East York as Principal of Overlea Secondary School.

After our Mom's passing Dad took care of us with spag dinners on Mondays and cases of Allen's Apple Juice. He took on both parental roles with the help of good friends like Harry Archer and the amazing families of our neighborhood including the Weiss', Bowers, Taylors, Cowans and so many more including Doug, Kathy and Maureen Harris.

A lover of dogs, grand crossword and suduko champion. Voracious reader to the end. Builder of pine blanket boxes, cottages and chalets. Collector of McDonalds napkins by the mitt-full and a free Star. Loyal sweater – wearer (the same one for days on end). Fan of Kris Kristopherson, Neil Diamond and Willie Nelson and always ready with his rendition of ‘Please Release Me’. And always proud to tell you how many ski-runs he got in at Blue Mountain

Provider of many things to his family and friends, watcher of grandson’s hockey, rugby and other events. 23 years of friendships and memories with the Dukes of Harmony and Barons of Barbershop (oh those hats they wore!), Lover of CFU picnics but not lining-up for the lamb. Traveler to all corners, with Myrtle Beach being his favorite and where he made a trip with his family this past March, leaving us all with wonderful memories

Proud Croatian who taught us to say hello (kako si) ,keep quiet and describe one of our runny - noses in the language of our Grandparents (though we were a bit suspicious that he made up that runny - nose one)
Proud of his newest family members from India, and his first granddaughter who shares our Mom's name.

Chronic grumpy guy at times (ok - for a lot of times) but was always there when you needed his advice or just his shoulder.
The Old Man, Pop, Stadi, Mr B, Dad

Many many thanks to everyone who helped Dad and the family over the past year including his buddies at Amigos, McDonalds, Marie and Nancy who kept an eye on him and friends new and old who reached out in support.
Dad appreciated you all.

Special thanks to Dr Rockman and Donna, Cindy and all the V.O.N. Nurses who visited Dad on a daily basis, James and staff at the Hyperbaric Clinic who helped him thru his visits in ‘the bloody-tube’ and Scarborough Centenary Hospital.

Visitation Monday July 16 2pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm. Visitation Tuesday July 17 130pm-230pm and a Celebration of a Life at 230pm with reception to follow - all at Pine Hills Funeral Centre, 625 Birchmount Road Scarborough

Dad loved his animal friends – Freddy, Punch, Buddy, Taz, Lilly and Clio. Donations to the Toronto Humane Society would make him happy.
No flowers please. Your memories, smiles and thoughts will be more than enough.