It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Maryan Dugandzic. Dad passed away peacefully on May 25, 2019 in Halifax at the age of 91, following a lengthy illness with cancer.
Dad was the oldest Canadian member of the Dugandzic family.
Dad left Croatia during World War II at the age of 17 with a small bag jammed packed with his faith, family values and desire to succeed. He made a difficult journey across Europe living in refugee camps. After Arriving in England, Dad worked as a grounds keeper at Wimbledon and was later sponsored by a family friend to come to Canada in 1950 to settle in Sydney, Cape Breton. During his life, Dad made many trips back to his village of Citluk near Medjugorje. Medjugorje is now recognized as a famous Catholic pilgrimage site. For Dad, it was a place of peace and where heaven meets earth.
Dad loved Canada and was proud to say he was from Cape Breton. It was in Sydney that Dad met the love of his life, Margaret Janega. They were married 65 years and raised four children. Dad worked for Maritime Tel where he spent 38 years. He was a company man through and through.
Dad was a man of faith. It was his trust in God that enabled him to overcome the challenges of life. His dedication to the Eucharist and Our Lady was unwavering. Our Lady's May 25, 2019 message from Medjugore is summarized as follows; " Be aware little children that life is short and eternal life waits for you according to your merit. Therefore, pray, pray and pray to be worthy instruments of God's hands." Dad, job well done.
Dad was very much a family man, and his devotion to his wife, children and relatives was second to none. His mission in life was to ensure that his family was positioned for success. Dad was a great husband, father and grandfather. He taught us the importance of having and upholding values through many life lessons. In terms of hobbies, Dad loved to fish, was a family photographer extraordinaire, and an avid gardener who focused on maintaining his Croatian traditions. During retirement, he was a dedicated volunteer of the Knights of Columbus, at the Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Parish and at Meals on Wheels.
While Dad was a complex man on many levels, his character can be summarized in just a few words. Humble; he embodied a quiet strength, discipline, dignity, integrity, self-respect and determination. Good was never good enough for Dad.
Dad was predeceased by his father, Andrej; mother, Mara; brothers, Ante and Mile; sisters, Drugica and Ivica; sister-in-law, Rusa; and his son, Andy (Dawn).
He will be deeply missed by his wife, Margaret; sons, Peter (Dorothy) and Philip (Barbra); daughter, Rose (Pierre); his eleven grandchildren, Alexander, Stephen, Nicole, Nikolai, Viktor, Mairi, Anton, Julia, Anna, Sophia and Simon; his three great-grandchildren, Isla, Luca and Dario; his remaining sisters-in-law, Darlene Janega and Ivanka Dugandzic; his many nieces and nephews; as well as relatives in Croatia, Herzegovina and the United States.
While Dad's departure from this world leaves a large void, we take comfort in his 91 great years, the precious memories and the positive impact he had on all of our lives. He is now at rest with our Heavenly Father. His presence will live on, rest in peace.
We thank all of the care givers at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Harbourview Rehab in Sydney Mines, Halifax Infirmary and the Abbie J. Lane Hospital Halifax for their excellent care of our Dad.
Visitation will be held at T. W. Curry Parkview Chapel, Sydney, on Thursday, May 30 between the hours 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
A Funeral Mass celebrating dad's life will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Sydney River on Friday May 31, at 11 a.m., Fr. Patrick O’Neil officiating. A reception will follow the service in Our Lady of Fatima Church hall. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
In lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to the following; Chalice Canada, the Children's Wish Foundation and the Kidney Foundation.
Words of comfort may be sent to Maryan’s family by visiting www.twcurry.com.
