Josef Lavric

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Josef Lavric on July 25, 2026, at Lakeridge Health Oshawa Hospital following a brief illness. He passed away peacefully with his loving wife and daughter by his side.

Josef was the devoted husband of Paula (née Baraga), beloved father of Vlado (Corinne), John (Lori), and Jenny (Albert), cherished grandfather of Michael (Abigail), Angela (Christopher), Lauren, Kara (Eli), and Roman (Rachel), step grandfather of Eric (Courtney) and proud great-grandfather of Annabelle and Danika.

He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends in Slovenia, Canada and the United States. Josef was predeceased by all of his brothers and many of his cousins, representing the last of a remarkable generation that endured the hardships of the Depression and the Second World War. He witnessed the transformation of our world from an era with horse and wagon, no rural electricity and manual farming to our modern society.

Josef was born to Franc and Franciska Lavric in the village of Podklanec, Slovenia. Life in rural Slovenia during the Depression was challenging, and from a young age he and his brothers worked on their uncles farms to help support the family. Pugled remained special to him throughout his life, often surfacing in stories of his childhood. During the Second World War, his father was conscripted into forced labour away from home, and the family witnessed many of the hardships and tragedies of wartime. Of eight brothers in the family, only Josef, Slavko and Franc survived to adulthood and Anton was lost during the war.

Josef served in the Yugoslav Army and was fortunate to spend much of his military service in Slovenia, between Ljubljana and Vipava, which he loved, allowing him to remain close to home and visit his family whenever possible. On leaving the army, he and his brother undertook the ambitious task of building their family home despite the lack of materials in post war Europe. He would proudly recount throughout his life that he had home ownership before he turned twenty-eight.

From an early age, Josef demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic that would define his life. Alongside his brothers, they rebuilt bicycles, crafted furniture, produced barrels, and sold their products to traders from Italy and Croatia. He also traded livestock and proudly owned a white mare that pranced as it trotted which was believed to be a Lipizzaner. It was during one of his trips to the nearby village of Loški Potok that he first met Paula, the woman who would become the love of his life.

The limited opportunities available under the communist regime did not align with Josef's ambition and determination to build a better future. Seeking greater opportunity, he and several friends escaped to Trieste, Italy, before being transferred to a displaced persons camp in Bari. After a few months, when out in the city they chose not to return and instead travelled to Duisburg, Germany, where Josef found work in coal mining and construction.

Despite starting new in Germany, Josef continued to look for new opportunities. Having his aunt Angela in Canada, he made the decision to immigrate to Timmins, Ontario. There he found employment in the mining industry and soon sent for Paula to join him. The two were married and began building their life together in Canada. The challenges of learning a new language and adapting to northern Ontario's harsh winters made them briefly consider returning to Europe, but the opportunities available in Canada convinced them to stay and raise their family here.

While mining provided steady employment, underground work was not where Josef saw his future. He transitioned into construction, initially working on industrial projects, including the construction of the Texasgulf Metallurgical plant, before joining a local construction company. Eventually, he established his own business specializing in residential and light commercial construction. Over the years, Josef built dozens of homes and earned a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, integrity, and honest dealings.

Family was always at the center of Josef and Paula's lives. Together they created a warm and loving home filled with traditional Slovenian values, family gatherings, summer outings, picnics, celebrations, and countless cherished memories. He would often pullout his accordion on weekends and joyfully play folk songs for his family but mostly just for himself. They worked hard to provide opportunities for their children while fostering a deep appreciation for family, community, and perseverance. Paula’s sister Ivanka followed from Slovenia, and with her husband Albin and children Danny, Betty and Tony, were central to their family events.

After their children left Timmins to pursue their careers, Josef and Paula relocated to Oshawa, where they could be closer to Vlado and Jenny. They also enjoyed connecting with a vibrant community of fellow Slovenian immigrants and became longstanding members of Holiday Garden. Leaving behind the long, cold winters of northern Ontario was a bonus that he often commented on.

Josef attempted retirement for the first time in his early sixties, but sitting still was never in his nature. He soon found himself purchasing properties, renovating, building, and pursuing new projects. He retired a second and third time before finally slowing down in his late seventies.

A devoted father, Josef was always ready to lend a hand with home renovations, repairs, and construction projects. His final renovation work came at the age of ninety-three where alongside his grandson, helped remodel his son's cottage. His dedication to craftsmanship and problem-solving undoubtedly influenced his sons' careers in engineering and construction. Josef also instilled in Jenny the value of doing things the right way and the importance of respecting hard work which carried into her work in accounting and tax preparation.

Josef was equally proud of his role as a grandfather. He rarely missed an opportunity to attend sporting events, celebrate accomplishments, and encourage his grandchildren in their academic pursuits and personal achievements. In retirement, he took up swimming and as a member of the Holiday Gardens Slovenian Country Club became an enthusiastic Bocce player, continuing to enjoy the sport until last year.

Josef will be remembered for his resilience, determination, generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family. From humble beginnings in rural Slovenia to building a successful life in Canada, he lived with courage, integrity, and a strong sense of purpose. His legacy lives on through the family he loved so deeply and the values he passed on to future generations.

The family wishes to express our deepest love and appreciation to Ivanka Francelj. Her unwavering love, daily visits, and comforting presence brought immense joy and peace to my father. She never failed to bring a smile to his face. We are forever thankful for her kindness and devotion to our dad (her brother-in-law) and our mom (her sister).

The family extends its sincere gratitude to the care team at Lakeridge Heights Retirement Residence, as well as the physicians, nurses, and staff of the Lakeridge Health Palliative Care Team on the 4th Floor for the compassionate care and kindness they provided during Josef’s final days.

Forever loved, deeply missed, and always remembered

A Funeral Service will be held at St. Mary of the People (570 Marion Ave, Oshawa) on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 11:00 am, followed by a Committal Service at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery (355 Taunton Rd E, Whitby)

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Online tributes and condolences may be placed at www.oshawafuneralhome.com