elevated opy5J With deeply saddened hearts, we share the news of Frank Katana’s passing on May 13th, 2024, at Shepherd’s Lodge in Scarborough. He was 92 years old. Frank was married 62 years to his beloved wife Ljubica, a loving father to Susan (Stuart) and Frank Jr. (Annalie), and a cherished grandfather to Andrew, Bradley, and Cristoff. He was also a beloved brother to his sister Mila (Damijan) and his late brother Josip (Milka).

elevated opy5J Frank’s life began on January 31, 1932, in the humble village of Mali Bukovec, Croatia in the former Yugoslavia. He was born into a family of hard-working farmers and firemen, who instilled in him a strong work ethic from an early age. His passion for making shoes would lead him on a remarkable journey, escaping communist Yugoslavia, and forging a new life in Canada. This journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, is a testament to his resilience and determination.

elevated opy5J His wife, Ljubica, whom he married by proxy, joined him in this adventure, and together with their family, they built a life filled with love and success. Frank’s entrepreneurial spirit and visionary mindset led him to establish Celebrity Shoes, a venture that would make him one of Canada’s most successful entrepreneurs from the 1970s to the 1990s. He manufactured and distributed ladies’ comfort shoes nationwide, but his heart always remained with his homeland. He was deeply involved in supporting Croatian charities, orphanages, societies, and business associations in Canada. His love for Croatia was evident in his friendships with leading Croatian dignitaries, including the first President, Franjo Tuđman. Despite his achievements, Frank remained humble, never seeking recognition but always ready to share his life stories and accomplishments at social functions and family gatherings.

elevated opy5J Frank was a successful entrepreneur, a man of many passions and had a wonderful sense of humour, often introducing himself with a modest, ‘I’m just a shoemaker.’ Known for his kindness, generosity, and visionary leadership, he was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, which endeared him to all who knew him. In business, he was always willing to work with all kinds of people, whether training workers in the shoe factory or making real estate deals with a wide range of people in later years; Frank successfully dealt with all kinds of individuals, from farmers to the most well-known developers in the local industry.

elevated opy5J In recent years, Frank faced a tough fight with Alzheimer’s dementia. Despite the challenges, his resilience and spirit remained strong, inspiring his family and friends.

elevated opy5J The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Shepherd’s Lodge for the kindness, support, and care shown to Frank during his stay. In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s honour may be made directly to Shepherd’s Village at [Shepherd’s Village Donation Page](https://shepherdvillage.org/donate/).

elevated opy5J Frank Katana’s legacy of love, dedication, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

elevated opy5J Visitation
Saturday, May 25, 2024 from 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Funeral Home Chapel – Assumption Catholic Cemetery 
6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T1N4 

elevated opy5J Funeral Service
Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Funeral Home Chapel – Assumption Catholic Cemetery 
6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T1N4 

elevated opy5J Interment 
 Assumption Catholic Cemetery 
Funeral Home Chapel – Assumption Catholic Cemetery 
6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T1N4 

elevated opy5J  

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