Obituary of Ivan John Kranjcevic

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ivica Kranjcevic, beloved husband of Kata of Svica, Croatia passed away on January 23, 2009 at the age of 74 years. He left us as God held out his hand to him on a bright sunny Arizona morning doing one of his life’s passions. Ivica was born in the small village of Svica, Croatia on February 24, 1934 and spent his early childhood in Lika, a place he loved to visit and reminisce about and one that he held dear to his heart. At the age of 12 he moved to Slavonia with his Dad Peter, Mom Lucija, sisters Ankica, Mandica and brother Peter. He took up the trade of a blacksmith to help his father provide for the family, something he did all his life. It is here in Bizovac that he met Kata his wife and moved to Canada in 1958 to start a better life. He worked as a contractor/developer in Calgary and built himself a small empire one that included his latest accomplishment – Bakers Acres, his project in Phoenix for the last 10 years and one that he was so deservingly proud of. As proud as he was of his family and they of him, he was a man that was involved in numerous organizations. He was a member and President of the Hrvatska Seljacka Stranka and his commitment to the Croatian Community especially the Croatian Cultural Centre was immense. He spent most of the early 80’s helping to build the Croatian Hall and dedicated many years in volunteer service while also serving as President of the Association. He was a man who loved people, he was a man who relished social gatherings and usually was the reason one was taking place. Even in "retirement" when you would think he would seek quiet, his home was always open. He loved to entertain in his Arizona room, he had a way of making complete strangers feel welcome, and old friends feel loved. Ivica is survived by his wife Kata, with whom he had 4 children with; Rudy, John (Kim), Tony (Michelle) Lucy (Michael), daughter-in-law Sanja and many grandchildren; Kayla, Thomas, Desiree, Jenna, James, Brittany, Tashi and Sydney. They adored their Deda and he had a special place in his heart for all of them, they will miss him more that words can say. He will also be missed by his close nephews in Bizovac, Milan and Tomislav who always looked forward to his visits. Ivica leaves behind a large extended family in both Croatia and Canada; he will be forever remembered by them as Brat, Ujo, Strikan and Tetak. We will miss you Dad, nothing will EVER be the same without you. You leave us having made this world a better place, and us better people, we thank you for that. He invites us to his last gathering, one where we will CELEBRATE the life of this magnificent man, beloved husband and father, cherished brother and friend and forever loved and adored Deda. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at Our Lady Of Marija Bistrica Croatian Catholic Church (14680 Deer Ridge Drive S.E) on Friday, January 30 2009 at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at Our Lady Of Marija Bistrica Croatian Catholic Church (14680 Deer Ridge Drive S.E) on Saturday, January 31, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queens Park Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Ivica Kranjcevic a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.