Miroslav Medan

March 11, 1917 – August 27, 2012

After a long illness Miro passed away peacefully at home with his family at his side on August 27th, 2012 aged 95 years. Miro is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 51 years Danica, sons Dushan (Gigi), Robert (Mira), and John (Jelena). Much loved Djedo of Iija, Marina George, Aleksandar, George, Tomislav, Stefan and Juliana. Survived by his sister Sava, his brother-in-law Pero Likic, Brother-in-law Joe Berljafa (Anna), nephew Eddy (Ann) Berljafa and their children Joey, Danica, and Anton as well as numerous Kumovi and relatives here and in Hercegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and France.

Miro was born in Ubosko Hercegovina to Spasoje and Sava (Dangubic) Medan. He was raised there with his brothers and sisters Savo, Radojke (Djogo), Milenko, Cepo, Ljubo and Sava (Likic). He spent his youth working on the family farm. He entered into the army where he proudly served as a member of King Peter's guard. He was called upon to defend his country during the Second World War as a member of the Chetnik resistance movement that fought the Nazi occupation, the communists and the fascist Ustashe. He was badly wounded on September 1st, 1944 during a battle with the communists. He was taken to Banat for treatment and recovery. For the remainder of the war, he evaded capture and made his way throughout occupied Europe from Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Zagreb and Vienna. After the war he became a displaced person travelling through Slovenia, Italy, Germany, England and finally arriving in Scotland in February 1948. He never returned to his home country again.

He immigrated to the United States in 1951 to live with his uncle and aunt in San Francisco. He worked at Western Can Company as a machinist for 30 years until his retirement in 1982. He married Danica Medan in 1961 in San Francisco where he lived and raised his three sons. Together, they created a warm and welcoming home where they celebrated their Krsna Slava and hosted many friends and family.

Miro was a faithful parishioner of St. John the Baptist Serbian Orthodox Church since coming to San Francisco. He served St. John's church in many capacities including Opstina President for 6 terms. Miro was a longtime member of the FSBS and financial secretary for 25 terms and past-president of the Serbian Nationa l Defense, Western Region.

Miro lived his life by a few simple rules: Love your family, love and support your church, be a good and true friend. By following these simple rules, he lived a truly full, happy and productive life.