Obituary of Vinko Rajic

April 5, 1939 – Cerovac, Croatia

December 19, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

Vinko Rajic, beloved husband of Regina Rajic (nee Materna), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, December 19, 2022, at the age of 83 years.

Vinko was born in Cerovac, Požega-Slavonia County, Croatia on April 5, 1939.  As a young man, he fled to Austria, where he lived in Salzburg and Vienna before coming to Canada in 1964.

Vinko met Regina at a dance in 1966, and they married in 1969, and settled down to raise a family.  Their home was always full of family, friends, and fun. They worked hard, but always made time to volunteer for their community.  Vinko worked at CP Rail for over 35 years.  Upon retiring, he and Regina enjoyed travelling to Croatia, Hawaii, Mexico, and Palm Springs.  When the grandchildren came along, they devoted themselves to helping with their girls.

He was a founding member of the Croatian Canadian Cultural Centre of Calgary, and parishioner at Our Lady of Marija Bistrica Croatian Catholic Church. He always refereed his children’s soccer games, attended all his son’s hockey games, his granddaughter’s piano, and violin recitals, and was always there to help anyone who asked. 

He will be most remembered for his love of life and his family.  His motto was “don’t worry be happy.”

Besides his loving wife, Vinko is survived by his daughter Marie Dubravka Rajic, his son Vincent Rajic and his daughter-in-law Maria Gagliardi Rajic. Vinko is also survived by his beloved granddaughters who he adored, Maia, and Victoria.

Vinko is also survived by his brother in Croatia as well as numerous other family members in Canada, and Croatia.

Vinko was predeceased by his parents, Mara and Vid, his sister Luca Svab; and his older brothers Ivan, Andrija, and Vlaho.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Marija Bistrica Croatian Catholic Church (14680 Deer Ridge Dr SE, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to Vinko’s favorite charities which he donated to every Christmas: Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Canadian Diabetes Association.

The family would like to thank Dr. Leonard Onwumelu, and his staff for their dedication and care. The team at Foothills Medical Centre, and South Health Campus, and the compassionate team at Southwood Hospice.

In living memory of Vinko Rajic, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.