Tony was born in Cranbrook B.C. to parents Ivan and Ivka who immigrated from former Yugoslavia. His siblings include Dusan (deceased), Mary, Millen, Anne (deceased), Kay, John (deceased), Margaret, and Eve.
His memoires recount many stories of those humble beginnings – the hardships and sacrifices of daily life, the beauty and freedom of the woodlands and mountains, the love of family and community.
He is survived and will be forever remembered by Doreen, his wife of 69 years, his children Barbara (Bob), Joe, Paul (Loree), Catherine, and Robert along with their families.
Tony was educated in Cranbrook and after graduation attended Victoria Normal School where he obtained his teaching certificate. He began his lifelong passion for education in Trail B.C. where he met Doreen who was also teaching at James L. Webster Elementary School. During the summer months he continued his education at the University of British Columbia where he obtained his Bachelor and Master Degrees of Education.
They moved to North Vancouver in 1958 where Tony took a counselling position at the former Hamilton Junior High School. He became an administrator at Argyle and Carson Graham Secondary Schools but spent the majority of his career as Principal at Ross Road and Carisbrooke Elementary Schools.
Since retirement he has received many notes from staff. They valued his passion, leadership, and his willingness to support them in their desires to be the best versions of themselves. They knew him to be a man of principles and integrity.
An avid fan of sports in general, he followed the B.C. Lions, Vancouver Canucks and Whitecaps.
Tony was a voracious reader, instilling the love of books into his children and grandchildren through the annual Christmas tradition of “Book Night”. He was a patron of the arts including the VSO and Arts Club Theatre.
Tony shone brightest in his role as Papa and I think that brightness gave clarity to all other roles. He adored his nine grandchildren and they adored him. With each of them he would receive the simplest pleasures from the simplest things - like poppy seeds, anthills, or the treasures to be found at low tide. There was no agenda, no objective other than to be fully present, exploring and discovering together for the first time.
On his 94th birthday he spoke to family that had gathered to celebrate. He spoke of love and gratitude for all that had been such an integral part of his full and exceptional life.
Dad would often say to us with genuine intent “You I Love”.
To Tony, Dad, Papa we all want you to know that it is “You We Love”.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Stephen’s Parish 1360 24th St. North Vancouver on Wednesday July 24th, 2024, at 11:00 am. Celebration of a Life will follow the Mass in the Church hall.