Dushan Dvornik

With deep sadness, we wish to announce the death of Dushan Dvornik, peacefully on July 8, 2022, just a few months before his 99th birthday. Beloved husband of the late Vlasta Dvornik. Greatly loved father of Janka (Daniel Vinet) and cherished grandfather of Eliane and Stephanie (Nicolas Bougie). Loving brother of Janez Mihelec (Milenka Mihelec), and of three sisters, the late Nada Lednik (Janez Lednik), the late Tatjana Marinko (Tine Marinko) and the late Majda Ristić (Aca Ristić). He will be deeply missed by his nieces Nada Mihelec (Grigor Majdić), Iva Cindrić (Ivek Cindrić) and Martina Tonejc (Andrej Tonejc) along with his nephews Duśan Lednik (Maja Mejak), Bojan Marinko (Mira Marinko), Tine Mihelec (Nina Mihelec) and their families as well as his brother-in-law Petar Juranović. Predeceased by his parents, Rose Madsen and Michael Dvornik.

Dushan was born in Meźica, Slovenia and grew up in Zagreb, Croatia, where he obtained a degree in chemical engineering and a doctorate in chemical sciences. After completing a post-doctoral fellowship at the federal institute of technology (ETH) in Zurich, Switzerland, he came to Canada in 1955, further to being awarded a post-doctoral fellowship at the National Research Council (NRC) in Ottawa. Dr. Dvornik joined Ayerst Laboratories as a research chemist in 1959 and moved to Montreal with his family. He was appointed director of the biochemistry department in 1964, and in 1969, he was promoted to associate director of research. He was transferred to Ayerst’s new research laboratories in Princeton, N.J., in 1983. The following year, he was promoted to principal research investigator and assistant vice president.

Dr. Dvornik conducted biomedical research in many areas, including lipid metabolism and anti-inflammatory drug therapies. He was a pioneer in the research on the prevention of diabetes complications. Over the span of his illustrious career, he had some 150 scientfic papers published.

Dushan and his wife lived in Princeton for 18 very happy years. They moved back to Montreal in 2001 to be closer to their family and reconnect with dear old friends.

A true gentleman, Dushan was a man of great inner strength and determination. His intellect and life-long quest for knowledge extended to many spheres. History, philosophy, literature, classical and jazz music, art, photography and travel, to name but a few. He spoke five languages fluently and would regularly quote wise thinkers in Latin. An accomplished musician, he played trombone for many years in the Zagreb Radio Orchestra, while working full-time at the Pliva pharmaceutical company as well as on his doctorate.

Mountain climbing was one of his passions. Every time he visited Slovenia, he would go into the Julian Alps, and if the weather permitted, climb Mount Triglav, the highest mountain in Slovenia. During the winter months, Dushan enjoyed alpine skiing and was an avid cross-country skier. He would participate in several marathons every year, including a 100 km two-day event. His physical fitness was of great importance to him and he would do his 5BX Royal Canadian Air Force exercise routine every morning.

An accomplished photographer, Dushan enjoyed recording his life and of those who shared it. Lugging his heavy Nikon equipment was never a problem, even on long and tiring treks. He began to develop and print his own black and white photos when he worked at the NRC and continued to do so for many years. As countless photo albums, slide presentations and digital librairies attest, he was a master.

Generous, kind and gracious, Dushan was loved and respected by his family and friends. A mentor to many colleagues around the world, his counsel was deeply appreciated and highly respected.

As a father and grandfather, he was firm, patient and unrelenting in the education of his daughter and in turn, of his two granddaughters, while being an inspiration for his nieces, nephews and their families.

The love of his life, Vlasta Dvornik, was Dushan’s companion during their 69 years of marriage. Highly compatible, they shared a wealth of passions and interests. Together, they built a life in Canada after leaving their homeland, family and friends. They made new friends, reconnected with old friends who had emigrated to North America and stayed in as close touch as possible with their family and friends in Europe. Friendships and staying in touch with the family were the glue to the great joys of life for Dushan and Vlasta.

Dusha means ‘soul’ in English. True to his name, Dushan was a man of profound depth and brilliant intellect who lived according to his principles. Honest to the core of his soul, he had a moral compass that guided him throughout his long and rich life. A man of vision, immense discipline and courage, he pursued his goals with tenacity and vigour.

We extend our profound gratitude to the compassionate and professional staff led by Sylvia Zagury and Caroline Seres, and Pam Hendy until a few years ago, at Place Kensington, where Dushan resided for the past 11 years. He so very much enjoyed the friendship of several residents, and was proud to participate as a member and former chair of the residents’ council. He was delighted to participate in the annual distribution ceremony of Christmas gifts to the staff, which in pre-Covid times, included his offering a kiss on everyone’s cheek. In particular, we would like to acknowledge the exceptional care provided by the nursing staff and caregivers. Thank you Michelle Palermo and Sandra DaPonte, and your teams for your steadfast support and great kindness. The compassionate care of exceptional caregivers Leonie, Jen, Vathana, Anna and Liza were very much appreciated during the last months of Dushan’s life. And finally, great thanks to Dr. Iny for his attentive care.

A celebration of life and burial will be held privately by the family. Condolences may be forwarded to [email protected]