It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Roko Kliman, a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Roko passed away peacefully at home in his sleep on November 10th, 2025, surrounded by the family he devoted his life to.
Roko is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Eva; brother, Petar (Vera); sons, Brian and Robert (Vesna); grandchildren, Morgan- Lee (Steve), Jesse (Jessica), Quinn, Vienna, Tatiana, Bianka and great-grandchildren, Penelope, Sullivan, and Goldie.
Roko’s story is one of courage, grit, and vision. He arrived in Canada on his birthday, August 16, 1961, determined to build a new life. He married Eva in Windsor, Ontario in 1963, and together they moved to Victoria in 1970. Side by side, they built two successful businesses, Colonial Countertops and E. Roko Distributors through hard work, long days, and unstoppable determination.
Roko was a fisherman at heart and found joy in nature. When he wasn’t building his businesses or spending time with his family he could be found on the water fishing or tending to his hobby farm, the place that gave him peace and purpose.
Above all, Roko was a man of strength, generosity, and incredible fairness. He was the anchor of our family, wise, funny, and endlessly supportive, and the kind of man who would drop everything to help someone in need. His presence filled every room, and his legacy will continue to guide us.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the staff of Shoreline Medical Clinic in Sidney, Dr. Green, Saanich Peninsula Hospital, the home caregivers, and all the family members who supported him with care and compassion in his final days.
Roko touched every life around him — and his memory will live on in our hearts forever.
A Celebration of Life for Roko will be held at Saint Leopold Mandic Croatian Parish at 11am on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, followed by interment at Royal Oak Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saanich Peninsula Hospital or St. Leopold Mandic Croatian Parish.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the ”Kliman” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Garry Schwabe
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Kevin Inkster Roko was a true professional. He always greeted me with a smile and a handshake.
In the competitive world of business, I always respected his ethical approach and fair dealing that he brought to the marketplace.
My deepest sympathies go out to his family.
Kevin Inkster
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SALVADOR MACEIRAS WE ARE DEEPLY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS,
ROKO TOUCHED SO MANY LIVES IN THE VERY BEST WAY,HE WAS A GREAT HUMANN BEING.
WE ARE GRATEFUL TO KNOW HIM AND HIS LOVELY FAMILY.
SEND YOU OUR LOVE,THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS DURING THIS TOUGH TIME.LOVE
SAL & VICKY MACEIRAS
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Ljubica Perakovic I am deeply saddened to learn of Roko’s passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, Evica, and to your entire family.
May the many cherished memories you share bring comfort during this most difficult time.
May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
LjubicaLjubica
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John My dear Eva, Roko and I met 17 years ago. He always called me “Johnnie Boy! He was a wonderful man , we shared a glass of wine or two with his good friend Sergio
Roko was the most kindest and generous person I have ever met. I am crying as I speak these words to you. Roko had the most beautiful white hair, and he said mine looked better than his . His blue eyes and unforgettable smile always be with me. If you or your family need an anything, then please call me . With all do respect to Roko and family!
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Nadia Jadresko Eva, Brian, Rob and rest of family,
Sorry to hear the sad news. My condolences to you all.
I will always remember Roko as one of the kindest men one will ever meet. He always took the time to acknowledge us when we were kids and as adults, whenever we saw him. He will never be forgotten.
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Suzana Matkovic I’m so sorry to hear of Roko’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
May the cherished memories of Roko bring you comfort in this time of sorrow. Počivao u miru Božjem
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Vesna Jankovic (Sekulic) Sincere condolences to the Kliman family on the passing of Roko. I have fond memories of him during my years teaching kolo in Victoria,he always had something funny to say, with a big, mischievous smile on his face. May he rest in peace
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David and Eli Dear Eva and Family
Our condolences.
It was always a pleasure picking up supplies at Colonial and E.Roko.
Wonderful family to do business with.
May the Lord Bless you and comfort you.David and Eli
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Steve Arevalo Steve Arevalo
Our deepest condolences to Eva and family.
Roko was a good man. A loving father, grandfather and a great grandfather.
He was thoughtful, generous and made a good difference in this world.
He will always be remembered and remain in our hearts.
God bless him and may he rest in peace.
With our love and prayers,
Marlon, Danielle, Olivia, Isla, Shae, Marina and Steve
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Kruno Pavlicic Dear Eva, Brian, Rob, and the rest of the Kliman family,
I was deeply saddened to hear about Roko’s passing. I found him always warm and ready with a kind word.
May you find comfort in the wonderful memories you shared together and strength in the love that surrounds you. Please know my thoughts are with you during this difficult time, and I’m sending you all my heartfelt sympathy.
With deepest condolences.
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MILETIC FAMILY Our condolences on the passing of Roko.
We are so sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.Many moons ago Roko and my father traveled to Vancouver Island together in a scouting mission (but in actuality it was a disguised boys trip), they stayed in a now long gone Beacon hill park motel.
They were amazed of the beaches of Victoria and went for a walk, they discovered a young woman yelping with a leg cramp… and Roko and my dad jumped in immediately to help her and massage her leg only to find out it was the wrong leg….
They experienced the beauty of Victoria and driving on the Malahat with the mountains, greenery and ocean view, they were sold. The next chance they had from a pay phone, phoned their wives and told them to list their houses in Windsor.
The rest is history….
We will miss you…
Miletic Family
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Art Curkovic Mr. Kliman “Roko” was a great individual, with a smile that always lit up the room. He has done so much for the Croatian community. Thank you for all that you have done – may you rest in peace. Our deepest condolences.
Curkovic Family
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Angela and Jay Sending heartfelt love and wishes to Eva, Brian, Rob and families. Roko was always so welcoming and generous to our family and shall be missed by so many who were on the receiving end of his kindness. Love the Brinkworth Family
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Trevor & Geraldine Hallam Geraldine & I are very sorry to hear of Roko’s passing & send our sincere condolences to Eva & the Kliman family .
We both enjoyed our time working for Roko in the eighties.
He was a very good person , he will be sadly missed.
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Persijs Erglis Roko was a strong and honorable presence in our industry and I am grateful for the mutual respect that we shared. My condolences to his family.
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Annie Dragicevich God needed another angel. All his hard work was for his family he loved very much. He’ll be in heaven watching over all of them and will be missed daily. Love you, Roko. Our prayers and love are with Eva and his family at this time of need.
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Aarrynne Dokken-Isgar My deepest condolences to Eva, Brian, Robert, Peter, all of the grandchildren, family and friends of Roko. My fondest memory of Roko is one from years ago, when the children and I were invited to Roko and Eva’s home for lunch. Roko took Henry and Namarra, who were three and four years old at the time, for a tour of his garden. At one point he helped them to pick peaches from a tree before pulling out a pocket knife, something they had never seen before, to cut the juicy peaches for them to eat straight away before carrying on with their walk. The children were thrilled! It was clear that Roko loved children and his beautiful life with Eva and his family.
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Elizabeth Mesic We hold fond memories of Tetak Roko, especially his visits to Windsor. He was always happy, always jolly and we will truly miss his stories. Teta Eva, Brian, Rob, Vesna and families we are deeply saddened to hear this news, we hope you take comfort in knowing his memory will live on in all of us. He was a genuine, one-of-a-kind man who will be dearly missed. We know he is up in heaven with his close buddies, looking down on you with that same warm smile. Sending you all our love and prayers during this difficult time. May he rest in eternal peace. Lots of Love, Elizabeth and John Mesic XO
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Mindy Dear Eva,
Just a short note to let you know how sorry we were to hear about Roko’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Our love,
Karnel and Mindy
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Ivanka Brust Dear family Kliman,
we are sad about the loss of our beloved Roko.
Our deep sympathy to all of you!
We wish you much power and Gods Blessing.
Life ends, but the love does not.
People we love remain forever, because they
leave traces in our hearts!
Your Austrian Family
Veronika, Ivanka and Manfred, Marsel and family, Steven and family.
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Gary Bishop My sincere condolences to Eva, Brian, Rob and the entire Kliman family.
Roko was a very determined and generous man who took care of those he cared about.
He had a positive impact on a many people’s lives and will be dearly missed.
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Joe de Frias My sincere condolences to all the family!!
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Ivan Matkovic It is with sadness that we learned of Mr. Kliman’s passing and would like to express our condolences to all of his family. A kind man and a strong member of our Croatian Family and will be greatly missed.
Počivaj u miru Božjem.Ivan and Vesna Matković
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Cindy and Roko Nikolic and family Our deepest condolences to all of your family. We were very sad to hear of his passing,he was such a lovely and kind man. We are holding you in our prayers and thoughts. May he rest in peace and the beautiful memories give you comfort. Love the Nikolic family.
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Alice Ranogajec We are all saddened to hear of the passing of Roko.
Please accept our sincere condolences to you all! know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Ranogajec family
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Renata Giles Our deepest condolences to Eva, Brian, Robert, Verna & all the rest of the family
He will always be remembered as a kind, funny & hardworking generous man
My family had many good times with many memories with Roko & Eva dancing at many house parties, weddings & Croatian events
My heart goes out to all of you at this time
May he rest in peace…
Love Renata & Family
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Marianne (Cvitkovic) Sladic Dear teta Evica, Brian, Robert and family…
My deepest condolences on the passing of the family patriarch. He lived an incredible life. The pain of his passing reaches far and wide. As you navigate through your grief, know that you’re not alone.
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Casey De Medeiros We are so sorry to hear of Roko”s passing . He was a true trail blazer. His smile and big personality will be missed.
Nelson, Casey, Tanner and Sawyer De Medeiros
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Ivica Kalabric I’m so sorry to hear about Roko’s passing. He was a great man and such an important part of our Croatian community. His kindness, his strength, and the way he carried himself made a big impact on all of us. He will be deeply missed, but always remembered with love and respect.
Thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
Počivao u miru.
Ivica
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Svetlana Sukhova Dear Kliman Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Roko’s passing, and I want to express my heartfelt condolences on behalf of myself and everyone at Colonial Countertops.
Roko wasn’t just the founder of our company – he was its heart. His kindness, humility, and genuine care for people shaped not only Colonial but also the many lives he touched along the way. It’s easy to see his influence in every part of this company – in the craftsmanship, in the way people treat one another, and in the pride we all take in our work.
Even for those who joined after his time, Roko’s presence is still felt every day. He built something lasting – a workplace that feels like a family, guided by the same integrity and warmth he lived by.
We will miss him dearly, and we’ll continue to honor his legacy in the work we do and the values we carry forward. Please know that our thoughts are with you and your loved ones.
With deepest sympathy,
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Nick and Michelle Rudman Kumovi Kliman, he truly was one of a kind and will be deeply missed. May the wonderful memories bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead. Kum Roko, your kindness and beautiful spirit will never be forgotten! Počivaj u miru Božjem! With love, Kumovi Rudman – Nick, Michelle, Maia, and Matt xoxo
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Tak and Kathy Niketas Our deepest condolences.
May you find strength and peace in this difficult time.
Roko was a wonderful man.
To Eva and Family
My condolences , Roko was a man who I looked up to as a leader and a hard working man. A Special Man who lived life to the fullest with balance of Family and Building their Buisness . I am grateful to the time spent with Roko and Eva .
Sorry that we missed the celebration of life , we were out of the country.