Obituary of Nikola PLEŠA

January 1, 1934 - Gornji Kosinj, Lika Croatia
February 15, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with sadness and sorrow that the family of Nikola Pleša, of Calgary, AB, are announcing his passing on Monday, February 15, 2021 at the age of 87 years.

Nikola was born in Gornji Kosinj, Lika Croatia on January 1, 1934. Nikola fled the war with his family and came to Canada through Austria. He arrived in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec and met the love of his life, Mary Jane (Gina). He left for Calgary as a machinist and shortly after, he and his brother George started the family business George and Nick’s Machine works in 1965. With fifty-six years of hard work, the company became a global success and continues to do business today internationally as GN Corporations.

Nikola was a proud Canadian-Croatian and an early founder of the Croatian community in Calgary. His belief to educate his family and friends about living in an oppressed country and the importance of freedom was evident to be expressive of your culture. He taught many of the 1st generation Canadians the “unwritten” history of its people. Many young people of the community had the honor and privilege to visit Austria and Croatia with Nikola, to hear first-hand the experience of the Pleša family and the Croatian people. Nikola and Gina’s home for many years was often the center of gatherings for our youth. There were many laughs and good times with lifelong friends.

It must be shared that Nikola gave generously to his community through the Croatian soccer club, Our Lady of Marija Bistrica Croatian Catholic church and community. We recognize and and we remember his contributions with love and gratitude.

One thing that could always be noted was Nikola had a very charismatic charm with the ladies. He loved teasing them and making them smile, laugh and always played funny jokes. His other early passions were the game of soccer, and he also loved to play cards with close friends and enjoy deep intellectual conversations. Much changed for Nikola with the loss of his loving wife in 2001. Nikola had to rediscover himself and forge a new road ahead alone. During this time and over the years, he was fortunate to travel many countries, and see the world as he discovered many new places and things with his second wife. His most recent years were spent alongside with his siblings, Matt, George and Peter. He has been very close to his sister Mandica who has stood by Nikola not just as a sister but a confidant and close friend. She will miss him dearly, as will all of us.

He is survived by his three children, Linda (Drago Crnković), John Pleša, and Anne Marie (Timothy Richardson); eight grandchildren, Carlo, Franco, Nicole, Nicholas (Taylor Slack), Matthew, Peter (Elita Spieron), Cole and Sidnee and one great-grandchild Philip. He is also survived by his siblings, Ruža Kirinić, George (Juko) Pleša, Peter Pleša, Mandica Habeduš, and Mate Pleša (Pierrette); nephews, Ivica Pleša (Vivianne), and Željko Pleša (Romy), his cousin Ankica Assel of Australia, his sister-in-law Anne Bradford of Michigan, brother-in-law Martin Videtich of Montreal, nephew John Pengal of Quebec, alongside their families,  nieces and nephews.

Nikola was predeceased by his loving wife of forty years, Gina Pleša; his parents, Ivan and Marija, sister, Ankica, brother Juraj, sister Pepa, several in-laws and other family members.

The time during the Covid pandemic has not granted us the opportunity to spend time with our loved ones. The isolation from all has had a toll on his entire family. Our many thanks to the caregivers of Father Lacombe Care Centre & the Calgary South Campus Hospital for the care and time they were fortunate to have with Nikola. As per the Covid 19 pandemic, the Funeral will be private, limited to family members. You may offer your condolences in the guest book of McInnis and Holloway.

A Private Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Condolences, memories and photos can be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Nikola Pleša, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.