Parcourez la nécrologie de George Dobrich 2024 résidant dans la province Ontario pour le détail des funérailles
April 4, 1940 – August 25, 2024.
With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved family patriarch. Born in Ramljane, Dalmacija in the former Yugoslavia, George was the dear husband of Jevrosima (nee Pribojan) for 62 years; respected father of Anne (Zivko) Dragicevic, George (Ilona) Dobrich, and Lillian (David) Barach. Survived by his brother Mirko (Rajna) Dobrich, sisters-in-law Beverly Dobrich, Milka Dobric, and brother-in-law Pero Krickic. Adoring grandfather to Jelena, Andjela, Momcilo, Aleksija, Mirjana, Milica, Anica, Petar, Nikola, Nada, and Marko. Doting great-grandfather to Nikola, Bogdan, and Danijela. Dad leaves behind many nieces and nephews here, in the U.S. and abroad, as well as kumovi in British Columbia and Alberta.
Dad is predeceased by his parents Nikola and Anica, his sisters Mileva (Sava) Bibic, Andja (Lazar) Dragicevic, Marija (Jovo) Krstanovic, and Djuja Krickic, and by his brothers Dusan (Djuka), Petar, and Dragan.
Dad came to Canada in 1956 at age 16 with his brothers Mirko and Dragan. After WW2 their father couldn’t return home due to being involved in the Chetnik resistance against the communists. Not seeing his sons for 14 years, Nikola wrote home and asked his wife to put traditional red hats on the boys so he’d be able to recognize them.
The boys arrived by boat to Halifax where their father waited for them and from there they continued on to Empress, AB. Life in Empress was difficult and lonely. Dad worked for CP Rail with his father although he was underage. Dad longed to return home; this country wasn’t for him. Soon after, sister Andja arrived to help them at home, followed by mom Anica.
The family eventually moved to Windsor after attending Andja’s wedding. When dad saw the Serbian Orthodox Church and community, he decided to stay in Canada. This was the community he would become an integral part of. In Hamilton 1961, dad met mom, a beautiful young woman from a village not too far from his own, and he took her to Stoney Creek Dairy for their first date. After a short engagement, they were married in 1962 and enjoyed 62 beautiful years together.
Dad and his father Nikola purchased Prince Road Variety in 1961 and this became the stepping stone for future generations as dad sponsored more family members to come from the former Yugoslavia. All of these newcomers have since made good lives for themselves, all because of one selfless act of love. While mom was running the store, dad started working 12-hour shifts at Chrysler 7 days a week.
He decided after a year that it would be better for him to wear a suit to make a living, so he enrolled in a real estate course. From there he began what would become a very successful career. Dad eventually branched off on his own and Dobrich Realty was born. Against all odds and advice, he developed a parcel of land he had purchased off Dominion Road and built his own subdivision with a street bearing the family name.
Dad’s involvement in the Serbian community would become a testament to his devotion to the future of the Serbian community. Countless hours were spent in the service of the church and hall. Dad served on the church board, was involved with the diocese, Chetnik organization, and was a vital part of purchasing the land which now houses the General Draža Mihailovich residence. Dad was one of the pillars that made the Serbian Centre what it is today. Hard work, dedication, and family were his priorities. He built a good life for his family and taught them to do the same. He was our advisor, motivator, and rock that we leaned on. His honesty and blunt delivery were his trademark. His funny responses will always remain a part of us; we always knew exactly what he would say. Dad applied his core values to guide family, friends, and even
clients.
When asked by a young couple to list their house and find them each a new one because they wanted to divorce, dad being dad did what he did best. He sat down with them for a discussion. After the meeting, there was no divorce, no listing, and no commission. That was George Dobrich.
Dad also enjoyed his old Chevys. When he immigrated in 1956, the ’57 Chevy Bel Air came out and when he saw one, it was love at first sight. He planned on owning one when he could afford it and eventually did. He was very proud of his cars, having done most of the restorations on his own. Car shows would become a big part of mom and dad’s social life with the iconic ’57 Chevy Bel Air taking first place on several occasions. After retirement they became snowbirds and would winter in Florida where they would be hanging out by the pool with their friends and dad would “teach” them about American politics. These were well-deserved, happy times spent together after years of hard work.
The last 5 years brought changes for us all with dad’s diagnosis of dementia. We did all we could to help mom and dad through the challenges they faced. When Dad forgot all the names and faces of those closest to him, he never forgot who mom was. She still remained his ‘srećo.’ When dad’s care needs increased, we hired Amy’s Helping Hands and thanks to their compassionate care he was able to stay home until the end, as per his wishes. A special mention of gratitude goes to Kelly and Sarah for their exceptional care.
On the evening of August 25th, dad took his final breath with his family around him, holding his hands.
The decision to have a private family funeral was a difficult one, as we know many would have wanted to pay their respects. Dad lived a life in service to others and was known by many.
If you wish to honour him, please donate to Gračanica Serbian Orthodox Church or the Alzheimer Society.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
2024
Décès pour la Ville:Windsor, Province: Ontario
avis deces George Dobrich 2024
nécrologie George Dobrich 2024
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