Mr. Branko Bogdanovich

Branko Bogdanovich, of Burnaby, British Columbia, passed away on the morning of Friday, January 21st, 2022. Branko passed away at Burnaby General Hospital surrounded by his family, after a long battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Branko was born on November 20th, 1951 in Ducici, Zumberak, in the Republic of Croatia, of the former Yugoslavia. Branko was the youngest of six children. From a young age, he worked alongside his family on the farm, tending to the crops and animals, as well as on the vinograd. At school, Branko would take every opportunity to play soccer, even when a ball was not available. At 16, Branko moved to Zagreb where he attended school to become a machinist and pursued his passion for soccer, playing at a competitive level as a skilled goalie. Branko worked as a truck driver and machinist. During his time at school in Zagreb, he met his love Angelka. They remained together as Branko went on to proudly serve his country as a Military Police Officer. When he returned from the military, Branko and Angelka married on New Year’s Eve in 1973. After marrying, Branko and Angelka immigrated to Canada on February 14, 1975. They were welcomed to Kelowna, British Columbia by Ujak Janko, Ujna Emmica, Johnny and Gina. After some time in Kelowna, Branko and Angelka moved to Vancouver to pursue work opportunities and eventually settled in Burnaby, where they raised their family. Branko spent his best years as a truck driver, navigating the open highways throughout the United States. He was proud of his truck and supporting his family.

Branko was often found lending his friends and family a helping hand. There was rarely a project that he could not build nor a challenge that he could not fix. Branko enjoyed time in his garden, sipping his McDonald’s coffee, indulged in the comfort of his westerns, cartoons, funniest home videos and Ridiculousness, spending time with family and friends, and fulfilling his proudest role as Deda.

Branko was predeceased by his father, Milan, and his mother, Mara; his brothers, Milan, Janko, and Dusko; his nephews, Neno and Davor; and his beloved Ujak Janko. Just days before his own passing, Branko grieved the loss of his dear buddy and neighbour for over 30 years, Raymond Lalonde.

Branko will be remembered and is survived by his wife, Angelka Bogdanovich; his children, Suzana (Steve); Michael (Stefania); his grandchildren and pride and joy, Alessandra and Milan. Branko will be missed by his family “doma;” his sisters Mara and Dragica and countless other family and friends. In addition, Branko is survived by the family cat, of 19. 5 years, Sparco. Branko maintained his witty sense of humour throughout his illness. He jokingly shared with staff at Burnaby Hospital, “I never thought the cat would outlive me.”

Branko was a fighter, a cowboy in his own right, that upheld the law of the land. He brought this fighting spirit to his battle with Leukemia. Branko and his family were grateful for the support he received from the staff at the Hematology Clinic at Royal Columbian Hospital and the wonderful care of the team in the Palliative Care Unit in Burnaby General Hospital where he spent his final days. This cowboy has taken his final ride into the sunset. May he rest in peace.

The memorial service will be held at 10:00am on Friday, February 4th at Forest Lawn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider becoming a blood donor or making a contribution to the Burnaby General Hospital Palliative Care Unit.