We Remember
VUKELIC, Milan
June 9, 1953 — September 8, 2014
Milan Vukelic, beloved husband of Ana of Kelowna, BC, passed away suddenly on Monday, September 8, 2014 in Donji Kosinj, Croatia at the age of 61 years.
Milan was born on June 9, 1953 in Donji Kosinj, Croatia. He married his beloved wife, Ana in Croatia in September of 1976 and together they moved to beautiful Kelowna, BC where they settled themselves and had 3 sons, Martin, Zeljko and Adam. Although knowing very little of the English language, Milan successfully found work and was employed with Pascho Drilling in the 1980’s. He worked there until his proud and respectful retirement in June of 2013, the same time he, along with his family and friends, celebrated his 60th birthday. Milan had the innate ability to bring his family and friends together with laughter and love; as well, always maintained his devotion to his family and his native Croatia. He was a proud Croatian Canadian and always stayed true to his roots, making sure to reflect the same pride onto his three boys. His greatest pride were his three sons and their families, specifically his six grandchildren, who he adored and cherished; he was their Dida and they will miss him dearly.
Besides his loving wife, Milan is survived, and lovingly remembered, by his three sons and daughters-in-law, Martin (Andrea) Vukelic of Calgary; Zeljko (Elena) Vukelic and Adam (Michelle) Vukelic, both of Vancouver; six beautiful grandchildren, Milan, Jure, Marko, Jelena, Maksimir and Dane; and many extended family from Kelowna, Vancouver, Calgary and Croatia. Milan was predeceased by his parents Martin and Danica in 2010.
A Mass of Catholic Burial will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 1:00 pm at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, 750 Rutland Road N., Kelowna, BC, followed by a graveside memorial at the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery. Reception to follow in church hall. For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or share memories, may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 1:00 pm
Location
St. Theresa's Catholic Church
PRIMITE NASE DUBOKO SAUCESCE OD VASEG PRIJATELJA FRANK &N SLAT. MILANE LAHKA TI BILA HRVATSKA GRUDA.POCIVAJ U MIRU. FRANK & NATALIA SLAT
Moje ime je Marija Pavicic iz Kitchenera, Ontario. Moj muz Danijel je bio sin Mile iz Kelowne. Mozda se sijecate, da smo se par puta i sreli kod Mile.
Moje duboko saucesce. Jako me je razzalostila vijest o smrti Vaseg dragog muza, oca i dijeda.
U mislima i u molitvi sam sa Vama!
Marica Pavicic
Dear Family Vukelic,
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your Husband, Father, Grandfather.
Strice Milan . You’ve been takin to soon from us and things won’t be the same without you. I have learned alot from strice mile and will miss his laugh and hunting with him. He always put his family first and gave everything his little grandchildren wanted. He was most happy in the company of his family when they’d all come to kelowna and be around a bon fire talking about the good old days. Everyone was always welcome in that home that he built. The more people the happier he was. Rest in peace strice mile. You will be missed!
Many of the happiest times in my life were shared with the Vukelic family; and now I share in your sadness. Thinking of you all with lots of love, warm hugs and prayers, Barb Krapec & Jerry Curtis
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Ana and family,we are so shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of Milan. He will be really missed by everyone and we have fond memories of him. We send our regrets that we cannot be there today. Please accept our deepest sympathies. Suey and David Koga, Langley.
So many fond childhood memories with Stric Milan and the entire Vukelic family. My favorites are the BBQ’s we had every weekend, music, dancing, sharing and laughing.
Our hearts have been heavy during this time of sadness and grief. But we remember him, his generosity, his kindness, his big heart and his warm contagious laugh. Our memories of him will help us smile again…he is always in our hearts.
Roxy Bilinski/Krapic
I am very sorry to hear of Milans passing. Words fall short in times like this. I just wanted to say that you are in my thoughts Vukelic family.
Dear Velukic Family – Ana , Adam, Zeljko and Martin.
Your father Milan had touched our family’s hearts in a huge and profound way. Your father really helped me learn more about Croatia and brought me closer to my roots. Milan was so proud of his family and always spoke in loving , kind and meaningful ways of all of his family. Milan to me was the most powerful , strong, methodical and deeply passionate man I have ever met. He thought everything through from ever angle , his strength both physically and mentally as well as spiritual was impressive. His passion for his family- his people- his true love , his country , his food , his history, his politics – again unequalled. We truly have lost a great person in our lives, our community ,our world. There are no words that I know to soothe the Vukelic family from this gigantic loss, so all I can say is your Milan will live always in the hearts and minds of all who had the honor of knowing him. The stories that we all are blessed with, the feelings of being welcome in his home , in his life can never die. The joy we feel when we think of his funny wit, his intellect, his drive and his love. Thank you Milan for sharing a small part of your life with me and my family. I will always cherish the moments siting in your kitchen , drinking your incredible brew and eating your wonderful creations while you tried to teach me my fathers language and my families roots. You helped me at a time when I was broken. I can never thank you enough.
Ana we are so sorry for you and your family. It was a pleasure to be neighbors for 10 years and get to know you, Mike and your family. Mike was a kind man, we appreciated his guidance in helping us with our yard and home. And his bravery as he would jump the fence to prune our trees even though we had two big dogs. Morris often remembers Mike waiting at the fence for him to finish cutting the grass with a “homemade treat”. You have created an amazing and strong family whose memories will always keep his spirit alive and be part of each of you.
Adam, words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss. You always spoke so fondly of your father and that’s how he will be remembered. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Love you and thinking of you.
Vanja and Dario
My dear Ana-I am so, so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this time, Ana-may God give you strength as you pass through this “new” reality. Love you, Ana-love you much-Esther.
Dear Vukelic Family,
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your dad. May he rest in peace.
Pokoj vjecni daruj mu Gospodine i Svjetlost Vjecna Svjetlila mu. Pocivao u Miru Bozjem. Amen. Obitelj Marica i Danijel (Danko) Lisica
Dear Vukelic Family
Our deepest condolences to you Zeljko and your entire family. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you deal with this tragic loss. Rest in peace Milan.
Josip Markanovic and family.
Our hearts are with all of you as you go through this time of grief. May God bless you and give you the strength to move forward..one day at a time.
Love & Light,
Theresa & Anton & family
Our condolences to Ana,Martin, Zeljko ,Adam and their families for such tragic loss. God bless you all