Eulogy for Ivan Crnekovic October 7, 2015 Good morning and thank you for being with us today. Over the past few years and especially this past month, I learned a lot about my dad and his thoughts about life. My dad had many sides and qualities. He was simple and straightforward in his approach and yet complex. If you knew Ivan earlier in his life, he was a strong, handsome, and cavalier young man, all business and action, and building for the future. He loved to joke and have fun, and have company over. “Our doors are always open” he said. He was a generous and gracious host. If you knew Ivan in his middle years, he was passionate and committed to all things Croatian. He loved soccer, actively followed and participated in Croatian politics, and supported Croatian culture. My dad commissioned a song “Hrvatsko Srce”, written for my sister Maryann and I, to sing in a Canadian-Croatian music festival. It was a special gift. My dad always said “Be what you are and who you are, and stand up”. “Drzi se – nedaj se.” It was a thrill that Croatia liberated itself and became an independent country in his lifetime. After this historical world event, it seemed Ivan too was finally recognized and free to be his true self. He began his annual travels to Croatia and built a second home in Sisljavic. I saw him happy and blooming, like the plum and walnut trees he planted. During these years, Ivan also became a Deda or grandfather, another rebirth. Preporodio se od radosti, and took on this new role with great love and care. He prayed for his grandchildren every day. And if you knew my dad later in life, you were most fortunate. My dad’s walls came down and his very best came through, the culmination of his life experience and learning. My dad was an even kinder, funnier, loving, and generous man. This is the Ivan I knew and will deeply miss. I would say “Ivane, kak te volim” and he would reply “I ja tebe, jos vise”. Although my dad said that I could give a speech “but not too long”, I want to share what he told me was important. I have tried to use his words. My dad said happily “I had a good hard life – lots of work and fun, and so many good friends. I will miss them forever”. He was thankful for the opportunities Canada provided, in spite of his love for his homeland. He proudly carried both passports. My dad was proud of his achievements in business and his financial success. With a big smile, he would say “Let me tell you something, I am very successful, you know.” We estimated that he had laid well over a million bricks on hundreds of homes, not counting the mortar and blocks he lifted. Ivan took great pride in the quality of his workmanship, be it building a house or making goulash or soup. “Quality and correctness” were his mottos. He attested proudly to never having cheated anyone, making a deal and honouring his word. “Cisti racun i duga ljubav.” The happiest day of his life was his wedding day, and the reason he wanted my parents’ wedding picture displayed. Ivan loved Dragica truly and deeply, and so he also loved his children and grandchildren. My dad had many good and long friendships built on mutual admiration and respect. He loved all his Turopoljci, and Tomica Mikuljan for their company and fun times. Ilija Begic, a friend from his youth, “pravi rodoljub i Hrvat”. Ciril Ferfolja was my dad’s “right hand”. Joe Cvetkovic was a “solid man who never measured how much he gave him”. “Always good friends, true friends, for over 50 years” he said. My dad also loved his neighbours Randy and Jason for their help and friendship. You made him feel younger. My dad would sit in front of our house; waving to all and watching the children play and life unfold. He liked to know what was going on and chat. He was known as the Mayor of Chartwell Court. My dad had a cheery disposition, a contagious smile, and a gift for endearing himself. He was generous and sincere with complements. My dad had many “favourite ladies” who were capable, smart and beautiful women. Ivan didn’t discriminate and was progressive in this way. My dad delivered many Tim Horton’s coffees to fellow hard workers. My dad sought out successful and smart people, often humbly admitting he only had a grade four education and trade. My dad took great pleasure in seeing others succeed, especially fellow Croatians and their children. He believed and worked for the collective good, always with a view to the future – be it the next hour or twenty years from now. “Take your time, think, don’t rush, and do it right the first time” he would say. “When you make a mistake, it’s too late and the damage is done.” Having much time to reflect on his life and people, he humbly acknowledged his faults and missteps along the way. He asked for forgiveness and managed to forgive. My dad gave me and others the following advice many times which reflected his regrets: Spend time with your husband/wife, and children. Enjoy your life and do what is best for you. Don’t waste time with people being upset – you can’t change them. Be polite. Be happy. When you can’t – it’s too late. In the past month, my dad expressed these final wishes: To play one more soccer game. To eat hearty Croatian peasant food. To come home to Chartwell Court. To travel to his beloved Croatia and Sisljavic. To vote one more time. To have a few more years to return my mother’s kindness. To see and hear his grandchildren. To spend more time with his family and friends. My dad was truly grateful for his “long and wonderful life” as he described it. “Hvala i zbogom”, thank you and good-bye, were his parting words to all his visitors of late. And so for the last time I say to my dragi tata, and our cherished friend – Hvala i zbogom. Thank you. Caroline Crnekovic