Dragan Jakovljević

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dragan Jakovljević on Sunday, October 20th, 2024, after a courageous seven-year battle with cancer. Dragan passed away peacefully at the Grey Nuns hospital, surrounded by his immediate family.

Dragan will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Smiljka; his daughter, Gorana; his son, Goran (Adina); his grandchildren, Luka and Teodora; his mother, Lozanka, and families Jevdjević, Jelić, Mrkajić, Milicić, Mladenović, Jovanović, Kostić and other relatives and friends. Dragan was predeceased by his father, Branislav.

Dragan was born in Belgrade on November 23, 1953. As a young man, he was a keen sportsman and played basketball. Dragan married Smiljka Radić in Sarajevo on September 22, 1979. Their children, Goran and Gorana, were born in Sarajevo on October 3, 1980. Dragan worked as an engineer in Yugoslavia and Iraq until 1990, when he and his family emigrated to Canada and settled in Edmonton, Alberta. There, Dragan worked as a scaffolder in the oil and gas industry, becoming a valuable and well-respected member of the Carpenter's Union until his retirement in 2019.

Dragan was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He loved spending time with his family, doing home improvement projects, gardening, and playing videogames with his grandson. He also enjoyed watching tennis and basketball, and sharing his love of these sports with his grandchildren. His absence will be felt deeply by those who loved and knew him.

The family would like to thank the Cross Cancer Institute, and in particular Dr. Jacob Easaw, for their care, compassion, and support during the last years of Dragan’s life.

A private family funeral is scheduled for 10:00 am on Thursday, October 31st, 2024 at Hainstock’s Funeral Home and Crematorium (9810 34 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 6L1) in Edmonton, Alberta. Father Vidović (of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church) will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dragan’s name to the Cross Cancer Institute of Alberta.