Milorad Petrovic

Milorad Petrovic, a beloved father and grandfather who crossed the ocean to provide a better life for his family, died on Oct. 8 at the age of 93.

Milo was born on July 31, 1933 in the former Yugoslavia.

He was the only child of Julka and Uros, a mechanic and business owner. Milo left home to earn an Agronomy degree in Belgrade, where he met his future wife Milica.

They married in 1958 and welcomed four children: Lana, Sean were born in Serbia. Alexandra and Ginny were born in Canada, where the family emigrated in 1967.

Milo was soon hired by the University of Saskatchewan on a research team that helped develop canola oil.

In 1970, Milo brought his widowed mother, Julka, over to live with the family. In 1972, the clan relocated to Winnipeg, where Milo managed lab species for the University of Winnipeg, then worked as a government egg inspector.

Milo and Milica built and sold five fine homes in Winnipeg and Victoria, where the family moved in the mid-1980s.

Milo became the only egg and poultry inspector on all of Vancouver Island and later also inspected vegetables. With his chatty demeanour, Milo made friends and acquaintances across the island.

After retiring, he moved with Milica to Harrison Hot Springs, where Milo continued his gardening hobby. The couple spent several winter months in Palm Springs, and returned to Serbia to attend Milica’s 50th class reunion.

After Milica died in 2010, Milo moved to White Rock near his son Sean and family. He expanded his cooking skills and continued enjoying time spent with his eight grandchildren. Milo also found a welcoming community in the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

After breaking his hip in 2023, Milo was well looked after by staff at the Evergreen care home, where he made new friends.

He was a gregarious person who led a full life, made many life-long friendships, and will be greatly missed.

Milo is survived by his children: Lana Michelin and husband Paul Cowley of Red Deer, Sean and wife Vesna Petrovic of White Rock, Alexandra Petrovic and Ginny Petrovic, both of Victoria. He is also survived by his much loved grandchildren: James and Emma Cowley, Caitlin and Braedon Ellemo, Jaclyn and Kate Elash, and Stefan and Maxim Petrovic, as well as many long-time friends.

He is predeceased by his wife, Milica.