Radovan Ivanovic

Radovan Ivanovic in his 84th year, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on June 13th, 2023 in Markham, Ontario. Radovan was a cherished son, devoted husband and brother, loving father, grandfather and uncle. Son of Stojanka (Cvetkovic) and Andjel Ivanovic. Beloved husband and partner of Ljiljana for over 60 years. Proudest father of Tatjana (Michael), Andjela (Simon) and Natasha (David). The best Deda ever to Benjamin, Noah, Alexander, Katia, Luke, Liam, Sam and Finley.

Radovan Ivanovic was born in Serbia on February 21st 1940. He was raised by his mother Stojanka,alongside his younger brother Nikola, as his father had to leave for Yugoslav Royal Regiment duties when Rade was just a toddler. Andjel’s dream was to move his family to the safety of Canada, eventually making his way to London, Ontario after many years away from his homeland. When it was time for the family to go to Canada and reunite with their father, Rade was already on the list for Army service and was not allowed to immigrate with the family to Canada. Instead, he was left behind to start high school and live in the family home alone in Vranje and complete his studies independently. He had many adventures and misadventures during high school, living on his own and enjoying life. “Raf” completed his studies in history and politics at the University of Skopje where he met his precious wife, Ljiljana. They married in 1962 and soon had a daughter, Tatjana. The young family finally arrived in Canada in the summer of 1965 and settled in London. Rade was reunited with his family after 9 long years; by that time his father, Andjel, had sadly already passed away. The young family had two more daughters, Andjela and Natasha Maya. His girls were the “apples of his eye” and he was always the proudest “girl dad”. Not allowed to leave his home country with his mother and brother and missing the joy of having a father figure in his life, Rade became “the dad” to many over the years. Rade worked for many years as a machinist: first at Emery Industries, then Richard Wilcox and finally Universal Engineering. A longtime founding member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, Rade’s greatest satisfaction was his time building up the church community in London at Sveti Sava and then continuing to work tirelessly on behalf of the Canadian Serbian Diocese to help build the long-awaited first Canadian monastery in Milton, Ontario, Holy Transfiguration. He forever treasured this experience and the lasting and deep friendships made in this capacity.

Radovan, a passionate sport enthusiast, was a lifelong Leafs fan who also enjoyed the camaraderie of playing chess, poker and Preference, with good friends and family. Always healthy and fit, he spent many happy years with his family traveling to exciting places but the highlights of his travels were the simple ones spent at the beautiful lakes of Ontario. Trout Lake, the Kawarthas and Georgian Bay cottages were always places near and dear to his heart. Most recently, he found peace and such happiness sitting lakeside in Niagara on the Lake.

Upon retirement 25 years ago, he and Ljiljana joined their daughters near Toronto, first in Barrie and then in Stouffville. Here they were active participants in the lives of all their grandchildren. He reveled in their achievements. Nothing gave Rade more pleasure than watching the kids swim or tube at the cottage, attend their hockey or dance events, or just enjoy making memories at the cottage at the lake. He loved making jokes and having rigorous political discussions over a nice glass of brandy. In later years he became an avid and voracious reader. Despite his medical setbacks, he walked daily, rain or shine, for the last twenty years.

Radovan exhibited what we can only hope is the best in us. He was a man who lived well, laughed often, loved much, and remained modest. In doing so, he gained the respect and friendship of many and the abiding love of his family, Kumovi, and many new and lifelong friends.

Most importantly, he approached life with great positivity and humour. He looked for the best in others and always gave the best he had.

Words cannot express how much he will be missed. VECHNAJA PAMJAT!

Visitation for Radovan will be held on Wednesday, June 21st at Needham Funeral Home, 520 Dundas St, London, ON. from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Prayers will be held at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 22nd at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 5567 Wonderland Road South London, ON. at 11:30 a.m. followed by interment at Woodland Cemetery directly afterwards.

A luncheon will follow at the church hall.

The family would like to thank the nurses and medical staff at Markham Stouffville Hospital, for their compassionate and professional care of Radovan during his stay in units 3wf and 3wg. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in London, Ontario ([email protected]) or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (www.heartandstroke.ca).