elevated ArOAf August 10, 1925 ~ August 21, 2020
elevated ArOAf God took our dida home in the early morning before the sunrise, his favourite time of day, in his 95th year.
elevated ArOAf He leaves behind a treasured legacy, his Kata (Boras), who for 70 years together raised their adored children Marija Fridrich, Barica Zrakić (Marko) & Stjepan Vukojević (Ana). Loved unconditionally by his grandchildren & their spouses, Chris Fridrich (Dolores), Davor Zrakić (Marija), Katarina Stahl (Robert), Laura Rogers (Jamie), Lydia Toric (Anthony) & Vivian Farrugia (Anders). Cherished by his great grandchildren, Kristiana, Lukas, Igor, Isabella, Dominik, Julia, Erika, Katarina, Luke, Sienna & Dylan.
elevated ArOAf Dida’s humble life began in a one room barn in Babina Greda, Slavonija, Croatia to Jozo & Anđa (Mihaljević). His life was filled with many blessings and much heartache. He lost his mother at the age of 8. He was blessed with a sweet stepmother, Mara, who stepped in to take care of him and his siblings, Mijo, Antun, Ivan, Pero & Katica. Ljubica, the youngest, joined the family & is now the last holding their branch.
elevated ArOAf During the war he ended up in countries that he never dreamt existed & learned bits of languages that served him well in his travels.
elevated ArOAf After the war, he married Kata. He worked as a carpenter, a brick layer, a bridge builder, a roofer, a medic, wherever there was work, he arrived. They grew their family and moved to Županja where their children finished their education.
elevated ArOAf In 1969, they followed the path of freedom as many did, they immigrated to the beautiful city of Toronto, where they and their family blossomed. Surrounded by the Croatian community, extended relatives by blood or by choice, he reveled in his new life.
elevated ArOAf Dida unconditionally loved his grandchildren but especially his great grandchildren whose names he always mispronounced. His favourite past time was teaching them bećarac, how to dance a mean kolo, putting together their toys on the carpet and reading children’s books to them. He enjoyed showing them how at 80 he could still jump to his feet from cross-legged from seated position.
elevated ArOAf He taught us all to take care of each other, share our wealth, be grateful for your health, always say hello when you enter a room or goodbye when you leave.
elevated ArOAf All his hard work came to fruition when his great grandchildren picked up their tambura and sang “Nedirati mi ravnicu”. His heart exploded with joy.
elevated ArOAf He wasn’t perfect and never claimed to be, but he was ours. We loved him more than the force of 1,000 suns.
elevated ArOAf Laku noć dragi naš dida.
elevated ArOAf With deepest gratitude we thank the amazing staff at Tyndall Nursing for so lovingly taking care of him these last two years. He loved his 4th floor people. He wouldn’t stop bragging about their skills.
elevated ArOAf A heartfelt thank you to the amazing doctors, nurses at Trillium Mississauga for ensuring that in his last few days he was comforted & taken care of with patience and kindness.
elevated ArOAf Visitation & Funeral Service is private for the immediate family
Catholic Cremation Services
6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T1N4
elevated ArOAf Due to the COVID-19 government restrictions on public gatherings only immediate family are able to attend the visitation and funeral service. All family, friends and guests are required to wear masks inside the funeral home at all times.
elevated ArOAf Sending your love and support at this time is very much appreciated, and we welcome your messages of condolence.