À la mémoire de
Tomo Mikuljan
18 août 1940 –
24 octobre 2021
With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of our husband, dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Tomo Mikuljan. He was predeceased by his parents, Drago and Kata and brother Dragutin. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Francika (Frances) Mikuljan, daughter Diana Pranjic (Joe), son Dennis Mikuljan (Mary), grandchildren Phillip (Marina), Katarina, Elena, Tomo, Matthew, Lilianna, Maja, Ivan, and great- grandchild Mirabella.
In 1958, at the age of 18, Tomo fled his birth town of Donja Kupcina for Austria. On April 1, 1960 he departed Bremerhaven, Germany and sailed on the SS Seven Seas and arrived in Montreal on April 10, 1960. He then boarded a train and settled in Toronto. He held numerous jobs, including being a bus boy at the Hilton Hotel Toronto and working construction on the Yonge-Bloor subway line (which lasted only one week as he wasn’t strong enough to work the jackhammer). In 1963, he found his calling in the meat industry working for Canadian Abattoir – Better Beef Ltd. until well into his retirement years.
He returned to his birth town on December 4, 1965 where he married his wife in the church of Sv. Magdalena in Donja Kupcina on December 31, 1965. Returning to Canada, a new chapter of his life began with his wife.
He took pride in working hard and never missed a day of work. Once his grandchildren were working, his most often asked question was, “Today, did you earn more money than you spent?” enforcing his motto of always spending less than you earn and instilling a strong work ethic into his children and grandchildren. He was a proud man and enjoyed socializing. He had a teasing sense of humour and loved to joke around – he would kid, but he always cared. He was a fantastic dancer, did a mean twist and was often the first on the dance floor partnered with his wife.
He was passionate about life and believed in honesty and integrity. He was a strong believer in taking time to take care of oneself and was a lifelong member of health clubs (Skyline Health Club, Toronto and later Club Meadowvale, Mississauga). A trip to the steam room, swimming, stretching and keeping active to reduce stress, followed by a cold beer was his ideal way to unwind.
Tomo did not attend school, rather, “he walked around the school” (his words), yet was able to converse fluently in German, Polish, Italian, Russian and Macedonian. He was well versed in Canadian politics and never wavered from his pride of being Canadian.
He had many talents and interests, beyond just wearing a yellow shirt all the time. He was an avid gardener, a cautious gambler and loved to cook – he taught his family the fine art of barbecuing and educated us all that steak was at its best when medium-rare.
His most recent battle with cancer showed his courage and faith in facing life’s challenges with a smile. Tomo lived life to its fullest and will be deeply missed.
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation attendance at the visitation and service will be limited & pre-registration will be required to attend.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Tomo Mikuljan 18 août 1940
24 octobre 2021..
turner & porter funeral directors
Death notice for the town of: Mississauga, Province: Ontario