Joseph Cecic

Josip (Bepo) Cecić

September 27, 1938 (Grohote, Šolta, Croatia) – February 19, 2026 (Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada)

Josip (Bepo) Cecić passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, at Burnaby General Hospital at age 87, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly. Born in Grohote on the Island of Šolta, Croatia, Bepo lived his life with deep conviction and intentionality.

A proud UBC alumnus (BA, Economics, '67), Bepo served as a consultant with the Canadian Federal Government for nearly 30 years. He transitioned from public service to independent contractor, running Šolta Construction with his wife Lily, well into his retirement years.

Bepo was a proud Canadian whose heart remained forever tied to his Croatian heritage. From his early days in Toronto to his life in Vancouver, he was a pillar of the community. Visiting poets, writers, and politicians gravitated toward him for his humour, knowledge and humility. A member of Hrvatska Seljačka Stranka since 1956, he remained a steadfast believer in the vision of the Radić brothers for the Croatian people.

Bepo will be remembered as a man with endless capacity for love, learning and connection. His greatest joy in life was simple yet profound: being with people. Bepo treasured conversation. He loved a good argument and excelled at respectful disagreement. He showed that spirited debate could be rooted in kindness, curiosity, and mutual respect.

He is survived by Lily, his devoted wife of 57 years; his daughters Ivana, Irena, and Jasenka; sons-in-law Tony and Šime; and his cherished grandchildren Davor, Ella, Luka, Adam, and Dominik. He also leaves behind his sisters Marija and Nikolina with their families, the families of deceased brothers Andrija and Ante and niece Jadranka, and a wide circle of beloved friends and family in North America and Europe.

Though he is no longer physically with us, the conversations and humour he sparked, the love he shared, and the example he set will continue to ripple through all who had the privilege of knowing him. Bepo’s legacy is not only in the memories he leaves behind, but in the way he taught us to engage, with courage, compassion, and above all, with love. His insights, laughter, affection, and passion will be missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 11:00 am at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Croatian Catholic Parish, 3105 East 1st Avenue, Vancouver. As per his final wishes, Bepo will return home to be laid to rest in Grohote, Šolta, Croatia.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at Burnaby General Hospital for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Burnaby Hospital Foundation would be appreciated. https://www.bhfoundation.ca/loveofburnaby/