It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved father and ‘deda’, Zdravko Solesa. Zdravko passed away peacefully on August 28th, 2023 at the age of 86 with family by his side. Born on January 21st, 1937 in Pritoka, Yugoslavia, Zdravko is predeceased by his beloved wife Anica (2006), brothers Kajica (2013), Branko (1942) and Sreten (1943). Zdravko is survived by his twin brother Slavko (Vera) and sister Danica. Zdravko is remembered with love by his children, grandchildren and their families: Igor, Christine, Nicholas, Daniel, and Kristina; Miroslava, Miroslav, Severa, and Lazar; Marija, Nenad, Damir, and Jovana.

Zdravko moved to Pancevo in 1945 where he later studied Engineering and was in the National Military Service and was awarded the Order of Military Merit with Silver Sword. He married Anica in 1971 and was blessed with the birth of their son Igor that year. Zdravko immigrated to Canada in 1977 to join his twin brother Slavko and began a new chapter of his life in Toronto.

Zdravko was a strong supporter of sport and fitness, with a love and passion for weightlifting. Together with his brothers who were also athletes, he took up weightlifting where he established himself as an elite athlete and went on to set a national Yugoslavian record that he held for 8 years. He continued to train and compete into his 70’s where he set many new Canadian Masters weightlifting records. In 2008 Zdravko was inducted into the Canadian Masters Weightlifting Hall of Fame.

We extend our gratitude to the staff at Cummer Lodge who cared for Dad with great kindness and compassion and were a great support to our family.

Zdravko was a quiet person but when he shared his stories and wisdom, his passion for life and his family was always a focal point. He had an infectious smile and laugh that were truly a joy to experience. Zdravko, not one to ever sit still, was always physically active, willing to lend a helping hand and engage in healthy competition, especially with his twin brother. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends. Please join us in remembering and celebrating Zdravko.

Visitation: Tuesday, September 5, 2023, 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - York Cemetery and Funeral Center - 160 Beecroft Rd., Toronto

Visitation: Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. - York Cemetery and Funeral Center - 160 Beecroft Rd., Toronto

Funeral: Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - York Cemetery and Funeral Center - 160 Beecroft Rd., Toronto - Internment and Reception to follow