With deep sorrow, but with faith in the Resurrection and eternal life, we announce that after a long illness, in his 92nd year, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Ivan Žarak, peacefully passed away in the Lord at home, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Perušić (Lika), Croatia, Ivan experienced hardship early in life with the loss of his mother at the age of ten—a sorrow that shaped his strength, compassion, and deep devotion to family.

He is survived by his beloved wife Anka, his lifelong love, with whom he shared 69 beautiful years of marriage after marrying in Perušić in 1957. Together, they built a life founded on love, sacrifice, hard work, and faith.

Ivan worked proudly as a blacksmith in Croatia before going to Germany in the early 1970s, and later immigrated with his family to Oakville, Canada, where he worked for many years at Ford Motor Company.

Ivan will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, warm heart, sense of humor, and love for people. He cherished his Croatian heritage; he would always take the lead to sing in ‘Kolo’ in a loud voice for his Lika songs. Dida, we remember and honour you forever with your song: ‘Pjevaj mi, pjevaj sokole’.

Our Dida Ivan enjoyed many years playing bocce with friends, and especially loved gathering with the Croatian community, including dear friends at Ličko Prelo celebrations. He also delighted in special pizza nights with his grandchildren, moments filled with joy, laughter, and togetherness that he held close to his heart.

A devoted member of Holy Trinity Croatian Parish in Oakville, Ivan proudly helped build the church alongside fellow Croatians from 1988 to 1991, giving countless hours of volunteer work after long days at Ford.

Above all, Ivan’s greatest joy was his family. He was a loving father to Ivica John (Jacqueline) and Marija Dolcic (Damir), a proud Dida to Mark, Victoria, Michael, Christina (Steve), Silvia (Phil), and Damir Jr. (Alexandra), and a cherished great-grandfather to Tessa, Sean, Vanessa, Adriana, Eliana, Emma, and Ethan.

He is also survived by his dear brother Mile (Kata), his niece Matilda Haynes (Brian), dear family and kumovi Petar Hecimovic (Ruzica) and Matilda Rupcich (Joe) and their families. He would be greatly missed by his many friends and members of the Croatian community.

Ivan lived a life of faith, hard work, generosity, and love. His kindness, laughter, and devotion to family and community will remain forever in our hearts.

“Dobro sam se borio, trku završio, vjeru sačuvao.” 2 Timoteju 4:7

May he rest in the peace of Christ.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Croatian Church, ‘Holy Trinity Parish’ in Oakville.