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Obituary of Mirko Reljić
February 18, 1944 – Kistanje, Croatia
June 27, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta
Mirko Reljić, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, died peacefully on Monday, June 27, 2022, after a three-month battle with stomach cancer at the age of 78, surrounded by his family in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Mirko was born in the Serbian village of Reljić, Bukovitza, Dalmatia, at the end of World War II. He was the youngest of eleven children to mother, Dmitra (née Korolija) and father, Nikola Reljić. Mirko had a humble upbringing on a farm in a blacksmith family, which was rich with family traditions, love, and support for each other. His mother wanted peace and gave him the name Mirko – which means peaceful.
Mirko graduated in 1965 with a degree in education. He began his career in a small school, where he met his future wife Dušanka and they fell in love. Shortly after he left to complete his military service, and Dušanka took over his class while he was away. Upon his return the relationship grew and the two were married on March 2nd, 1969.
Mirko worked in education as a teacher and principal for 30 years, and in this time, he and his wife welcomed two children into their family, his daughter Natalija and son Miroslav. In addition to his love of learning, he loved his community. Mirko served 20 years as a Reserve Captain First Class, and 5 years as a volunteer City Councillor in Knin.
At the end of the civil war in Croatia in 1995, Mirko and his wife fled Croatia leaving behind their life’s work. They became refugees and lived in Serbia until 2009, when they immigrated to Canada to be closer to their children. Mirko loved long morning walks and his favorite food was polenta and pasta. Mirko was fair, honest, loyal, warm-hearted, quick-witted and had a cheerful smile. He was a man who always wanted peace and harmony among people.
Mirko is survived by his wife and best friend of fifty-six years, Dušanka (née Ugrčić); daughter Natalija (Anil Jain); son Miroslav (Robert "Bobby" Forsyth); and his grandsons Lucas Reljić Dumont, Gaurav “Bobby” Jain; and his granddaughter Sonia Jain (Tom Lea-Henry); and two great granddaughters, Anya, and Emilia; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mirko is survived by his sisters Ljubica, Ruža and Jeka. Mirko was predeceased by his father Nikola, mother Dmitra; his brothers Stevan, Sava, Jovan and Dušan; as well as his sisters, Stana, Dara and Janja.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of The Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB) on Monday, July 4, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of The Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB), on Monday, July 4, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Reception to follow. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.
In living memory of Mirko Reljic, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
