Obituary of Marinko Marjanovic

September 4, 1965 – Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina

September 4, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Marinko (Barba), Marjanovic of Calgary, Alberta, passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023 at the age of 58 years.

Marinko was born in Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina on September 4, 1965. Marinko was a part of the army in Bosnia i Herzegovina.

He immigrated to Canada in 1997 with his first daughter and pregnant wife.

Marinko married Josipa Stanic in 1994.

Marinko was a hardworking man, often working multiple jobs. Marinko worked as a plumber for several years and a pizza deliverer. He loved to stay busy and loved working with people.

Marinko’s favorite sport was fudbal. He never missed a soccer game, even when he was working. Marinko would watch the World Cup and Euro Cup with his daughters. He would often say ‘ja sam bio najbolji igrac u Turbe, pitaj sviju’. Marinko loved Hajduk Split and FC Barcelona. He enjoyed watching western movies and documentaries. He would often call his daughters encouraging us to watch a movie he just watched. Marinko even had a collection of cowboy boots. Marinko loved wearing colorful button up dress shirts and plaid dress shirts. Above all, Marinko had a passion for helping anyone in need.

Marinko visited Bosnia i Herzegovina with his two daughters, Nikolina and Ornella in 2015. Marinko’s most memorable vacation was when he went to Bosnia i Herzegovina in 2019 by himself, visiting his home and family.

Marinko’s favourite sayings were ‘mladi maldic’, and ‘rogers called me to tell you..’, ‘je bijela boja boja, je crna boja boja..onda ti mogu rec da sam kupio crno-bijeli televizor u boji’ and ‘samo mi nabijas racun’. He will be most remembered for his sense of humor, selflessness and deep love for his family and friends. Marinko loved Mila dearly, his daughters dog. He would never come empty handed when visiting Mila, spoiling her with bones and treats. He would say ‘nemoze nista dijetetu faliti’. Marinko would hide treats in his pockets as his daughters would say ‘nemoj vise, dostaaa’. He would respond saying ‘ja sam kupio, nisi ti’. Marinko became a dido/grandpa for the first time to Taliya from his first daughter, Nikolina. He would often say ‘can i see Fejt :))’, as Taliya’s middle name is Faith. He would often text Nikolina saying ‘Taliyaaaaaaa :))’. Marinko’s greatest achievement was becoming a grandpa/dido for the first time. He would never come empty handed when visiting Taliya. He wanted to make sure Taliya had everything and more. Marinko was very proud when both of his daughters finished university. When Ornella was showing her first grade two classroom on facetime, he asked my mom ‘jel ti drago sada :))’. Marinko knew how to make anyone smile or laugh. He was passionate about the history of the world, always wanting to learn new things and stay up to date with politics. Marinko loved debating and sharing his opinion on Facebook articles. He was known for his intelligence and writing. Marinko loved his country, religion and culture. He was proud of where he came from. Marinko had the greatest heart. He would give everything he had for someone, even people he did not know. He put everyone above himself. Marinko was a man who stuck to his word. Marinko had good friends all around the world from Australia, to USA and all over Europe.

My family and I could write a book about my dad. Words can not describe how amazing he was. He was a fighter, and he fought to the very end. We wish he could still be here with us, but we know that he is finally at peace in heaven with his twin brother Zeljko, his mother Maria, and his father Franjo.

Survived by his first daughter Nikolina Marjanovic,second daughter Ornella Marjanovic, sister Luce Ramljak, sister Birda Vrebac and brother Mato Marjanovic.

A Mass will be held at the Croatian Catholic Parish on Tuesday September 12th at 6:00 pm. (14675 Deer Ridge Dr SE, Calgary AB).   Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Marinko, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.