In Loving Memory

With heavy hearts and profound love, we announce the passing of Mate Babic on Wednesday June 14, 2023.

Mate was born in Velika Vinica, Croatia on November 8, 1936 and was the youngest of his siblings – Stipe (Nevenka), Marija (Ante), Matija (Jakov), Andja (Stipe), and Mijo (Pam). He would often reflect on his time as a young man when he travelled to work for a short time in Crna Gora, and spending six years working in Germany. His children loved to hear the stories of his many adventures with his brother Stipe and many dear friends from home who also travelled abroad to work. He encountered tremendous kindness during this time, which we believe was a reflection of his own love of all people. He looked for the best in others and was quick to joke and make new friends.

He returned to his home town to marry his beloved wife Anica in 1963. They had Ivan and Mila in Vinica while he worked in Germany. They spent a short time in Osijek before being invited to emigrate to Canada to join his brother Mijo and his wife Pamela in Canada. This is where his next adventure began. He and Anica welcomed their third child, Christina, in Toronto.

Mate was a very proud Croatian and embraced all that Canada had to offer. He spent most of his life working in construction as a drywaller and built a strong home base for his family - originally in Toronto, then Brampton, before finally settling in Mississauga.

Mate was an active member and strong supporter of his church community at Our Lady Queen of Peace Croatian Centre in Norval, from the earliest of days of that parish. Thousands of happy days were spent there in work and play. He cherished his time on the bocce court. While the camaraderie and sport were enjoyed while he was working, it became a grand passion when he retired. If desired, donations in Mate’s memory can be made to the Croatian Centre by e-transfer to cfnorval@gmail.com.

A man of integrity, generosity, kindness and humour. While he will be missed every day, he will always be in our hearts – our memories of him and his awesome ways, will be cherished deeply.

We are immensely grateful to our extended family for their never-ending love and support in our time of sorrow.