It is with great sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Vladimir (Vlade) Makrevski.
Vlade, born August 16, 1932 in Graesnica, Macedonia, passed away peacefully on May 8th, 2024 surrounded by his loving wife Milica and family.

A devoted husband for almost 70 years, Vlade was preceded in death by his mother Menka, father Kosta, brother Dusan (Mara), and sister Cveta (Mile).

He is survived by wife Milica, daughter Violeta (Blagoja), son Bob (Kelle), grand-children Peter (Kim), Steven (Amanda), Hayley (Michael) and Megan (Mitchell), as well as great-grandchildren Brielle, Karys and baby Harris.

Vlade was a man of simple needs, but far from a simple man.

He was selfless, taking great pleasure in providing for his wife and family. Doing this by lavishing his family with his love, attention and generosity. Always giving of himself and never seeking anything in return.

Born into the depression of the 1930s in Eastern Europe he entered his formative years as WWII raged on. Quickly he learned the value of hard work, your word was your bond, and that honor and family was paramount.

As he entered his teenage years, his eye caught site of a pretty tomboy of a girl who had just lost her father. At this tender age, he proclaimed that he would make her his wife.

After completing a mandatory tour of duty in the Army, he declined an opportunity to become an Officer, instead choosing to go back to his small farming village, to work a family farm and marry his childhood sweetheart.

Seeing a bleak future behind the Iron Curtain of Eastern Europe, he made the difficult decision to flee, leaving behind a pregnant wife and five year old daughter, in hopes of making a better life for himself and his family.

Coming to Canada, working multiple menial jobs and saving his earnings, he was repatriated with his family after 3 years. He whole heartedly embraced Canada as his new homeland. Becoming a huge NHL hockey fan and supporting his hometown OHA Oshawa Generals.

Though proud to be Canadian, he never lost track of his heritage, carrying on some of the old traditions and blending the two cultures. In this way he passed on his passion for cultural celebration to his children, grand children and in-laws.

Being robbed of a formal education did not hold him back. He accomplished anything he set his mind to, long before DIY videos, CDs or the Internet.

Vlade was many things throughout his life. He was a son, brother, sheep herder, farmer, gardener, rascal, defender of the weak, military man, vintner, carpenter, renovator, athlete, sports enthusiast, shade tree mechanic, loving devoted husband, cherished father, doting grand and great-grandfather, neighbour, friend, confidant, valued employee, and church volunteer.

A man of few words, he preferred listening, action, and good deeds. If you were fortunate to become his friend, you were a friend for life. If he offered to help, it was as good as done.

He worked tirelessly at his passions; his family, his flower/vegetable gardens and his church.

He loved nothing more than tending to the comfort and happiness of his wife, taking pride in his family’s accomplishments and spoiling his grand and great-grand children. He was routinely seen at his family’s sporting events. Always on the sidelines cheering, whether it be a hardball, fastball, soccer, hockey, or basketball game, he loved them all.

He tended to his flower and yearly vegetable gardens with pride. In years of abundance, he would share his harvest with family, friends and neighbours. In years of a lean harvest, it was a source of constant discussion and strategy on how to make next years harvest better.

He worked tirelessly to convert a green field in Ajax into a proper Macedonian Orthodox Church. In the beginning, it was a repurposed school portable, with alters fashioned by volunteers, including Vlade, his brother and brother in-laws. As the congregation grew, with growing fundraising and donations a proper church was erected. Vlade was proud of his role in this accomplishment.

Dedo and Stari-Dedo, as he was known by grand and great-grand children, will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends, and all who were touched by his love of celebration, generosity, wit and humour.

The family would like to thank all the PSWs who took care of mom and dad, making it possible for them to live at home independently for as long as possible, especially during Covid.

Special gratitude goes out to the compassionate caregivers on Heritage Harbour at Fairview Lodge Nursing Home.

They made it mom and dads loving home this past year. This is where dad affectionately became known as “Vladdy”.

We are also thankful for the kindness, generosity and support afforded to our family during dad’s final weeks.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Nedela Macedonian Orthodox Church in Ajax, Alzheimer Society Durham Region or a choice of your own charity.