Pero Krndija, our Ćaća (father) was born on October 16, 1939 in a very small village (Širići) in former Yugoslavia, to parents Ilija and Maria Krndija. Pete (our nickname for him) was the youngest of seven children. Our father did not have an easy life as a child. His mother was ruthlessly executed by communists during World War II when he was just five years old. He was raised by his sisters Ćana (deceased), Joja (deceased), Sava (deceased) and Mara (deceased) and his sister in law, Stana (deceased).

He spent his young life working in the carpentry field throughout different villages and towns. He married Milica Iviç (deceased) in 1956 at the young age of 17. They had two daughters (Maria and Mira).

In 1972, he came to Canada to visit his older brother and his wife, Vojko (deceased) and Latinka( deceased) and just two years later, brought his wife and daughters to Canada. At 35 years old, our father had the guts and courage to leave the tiny village of just five houses to move his family to a new Continent. One can only admire his strength, determination and vision.

Our father worked very hard to build a new life in Canada for his small but mighty family. This move not only provided a better life for them, but also paved a path for many of his extended family to come to Canada in search of the same.

He spent 25 years traveling throughout Canada for his job as a master carpenter, until he retired at age 55. He eventually developed various health issues, but never gave up. He battled liver disease which resulted in a liver transplant, as well as survived cardiac arrest.

He will forever be remembered for his strength, honesty, hard work and love for his family.

On January 24th, 2023, our father lost the battle to dementia and he peacefully passed during his regular afternoon nap. He leaves behind his daughter Maria (her husband Tomislav), Mira (Nikola), grandchildren Ilija, Dragan (Suncica), Marko and Milica, great grandchildren Aleksandar and Teodor and the rest of his extended family that he loved very much and was very proud of. He had a very special connection with his nephews Novak Krndija, Jovan Malesevic and his namesake Pero Krndija (Novak’s son).

Our father lived his life on his terms, he spoke his mind and his truth, whether you liked it or not. Rest in peace, Pete. We will miss you but never forget you. Thank you for all the sacrifices you made.

Love you always,
Your family