Obituary of Dean Vlatko Pirija

September 24, 1990 – Calgary, Alberta

July 31, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Our world has been devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved Dean, the result of a motorcycle collision on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at the age of 33 years.

Our intelligent, intuitive, silly, talented, handsome young man, lived life with no fear, a taste for the exquisite, a passion for truth, mindfulness, cooking, physical fitness, animals, Carolina Reaper Peppers, white water canoeing, boxing and an eternal quest for life’s purpose and peace.

‘Deano, you were too big for this world.
We wish you rest, peace and we understand God took you home to take care of your precious soul.
Know you were immensely loved with our entire being.’

Dean is survived by his grieving family, ‘Mamso’ Emira and ‘Papso’ Zlatan (Ben); dear brother Derian, whom Dean was a fierce protector of; cousin Brandon, always Dean’s partner in crime; cousin Una, whom Dean cherished; Tetkas, Ferida and Lejla; grandmother Zlata; great-aunt Ferida; uncles, Samir, Asim and J.C.; cousin’s, Muharem and Munir; special family friend Vlatko; friends and extended Pirija and Balic families throughout Europe.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, August 8, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The family will arrange a time to honour and celebrate Dean’s precious life in the coming weeks.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Dean’s family here.

In living memory of Deano Pirija, 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: 403-276-2296.