It is with grateful hearts and thankfulness to God that the family acknowledges the precious gift of the life of Zlatko (Gordon) Bobesich, who passed, with the love and compassion of his devoted family, on April 12th, 2024 at Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto.

Born in Zagreb, Croatia on September 9th, 1947, Gordon, at the age of 9, accompanied by his mother Nada and sister Nadica, immigrated to Canada where they were then reunited with their father Ivan, who had immigrated to Sudbury, Ontario two years prior. In trying to adjust to Canadian life, his Christened name Zlatko was anglicized to Gordon. Gordon was very patriotic to his Croatian roots, and his numerous visits to Croatia were joyous and memorable occasions.

Gordon completed high school in Sudbury and then attended Queens University obtaining his Bachelor of Arts (BA) and his Bachelor of Law (LLB) degrees. He went on to successfully and dutifully serve his clients in both Sudbury and the Greater Toronto Area. He was elected as a Bencher of the then, Law Society of Upper Canada on four occasions and was appointed a Judge of Small Claims Court where he sat for several years.

He was passionate about his Croatian heritage and culture, Zlatko was energetically involved in his Sudbury community, actively participating in the preservation of his Croatian culture, namely - Sveti Marko Croatian Roman Catholic Church, the Croatia Adria Sudbury soccer club, the Croatian National Home (where he met his wife Catherine) and the Hrvatska Kolo and Tamburica Sudbury. After his move to Oakville, he continued to proudly support numerous Croatian organizations. His love for soccer was shared with his sons and grandchildren, Logan and Hannah. He loved music and was a member of the church choir (Holy Trinity Croatian Catholic Church) and a devoted ten-year member of the Canadian Croatian Choral Society.

He had an encyclopedic mind for European and world history and loved nothing more than discussing facts and quizzing family members and friends about the topic. Gordon's glass was always half full and he had a very wry sense of humour. His positive attitude, upon being asked "Kako si?" ("How are you?"), was always without hesitation "Ne moze biti bolje!" ("It can't be any better!")

After 41 years of marriage to his "favourite, #1 wife" (his quote) - Catherine, he will be remembered with warmth leaving a treasure chest of beautiful memories. Catherine always inspired him to embark on daring adventures beyond his comfort zone, but their decision to move the entire family from Oakville to a large country property where Gordon's dream of having an orchard, chickens and bees was joyfully realized. He considered this as his legacy to his family. However, none of this compared to their last trip together to Croatia this past summer – truly a gift from God.

His "firstborn son" Stephan (Stacie) and their children Logan and Hannah, will remember the great times they shared at the family cottage, and the countless hours spent fishing off the dock. Stephan and Gordon enjoyed a special bond with a shared passion for gastronomical delights and new culinary experiences. His son Gregory gave Gordon much joy while they shared their love for soccer, especially, the Croatian National team. He was proud to know that Gregory is following in his footsteps and will become a Lawyer and member of the Law Society of Ontario this fall.

Gordon had a profound respect and love for his sister Nadica (Jim), and a special relationship with Nadica and Jim's daughters, Tara (Christian), Erin (Mike), Megan (Bill) and their respective children Isabelle, Finley, Maxwell and Charlie. He also leaves behind his younger brother Jon and his son Uriel.

Gordon's brother-in-law John Perichak (Sharon), their children Jaclyn (Matt), Sean, Kaitlyn and brother-in-law Joseph Perichak (Sia) and their daughter Victoria will fondly remember Gord. Gordon shared a loving relationship with Teta Ljubica (Lilly) and Uncle John Pocrnic. His childhood friend and first cousin Ivo (Kathy) Horvachich spent their childhood together in Croatia.

The family sincerely appreciates the caring and professional guidance provided by Dr. A. Lee and the capable staff of Oakville Trafalgar Hospital as well as Dr. C. Chen of Princess Margaret Hospital. Gordon's positive attitude and charismatic nature procured a response of utmost respect and compassion.  We thank nurse Tasha for being the family's "Guardian Angel" during his final days.

In lieu of floral tributes, donations in memory of Zlatko (Gordon) Bobesich, will be graciously accepted by the Canadian Croatian Chamber of Commerce. Gordon's family has worked with the Chamber to create a new scholarship award in his honour, Zlatko (Gordon) Bobesich Law Scholarship 2025 Description . To make a donation, please contact the Chamber at 416.641.2829 or contactus@croat.ca .

Donation form link: Bobesich Law Scholarship Fund Croatian-Canadian Scholarship Fund Donation Form

As per Zlatko's wishes, a portion of his ashes will be interred at the cemetery in Vukovina, Croatia.

Donations to the parish of his christening, the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, will also be graciously accepted.

Visitation will be held on Thursday April 25, 2024 at the Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home, 64 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville, (one block East of Kerr Street) from 1 pm – 4 pm and 6 pm – 9 pm.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday April 26, 2024 at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Croatian Church, 2110 Trafalgar Road, Oakville at 11:30 am.