On December 22, 2025, a kind, gentle, generous, compassionate, faithful, and life-loving husband, father, and grandfather, the patriarch of the Kardum family, was called home to God.
Marko Kardum was born on December 24, 1946, in Nunić, Croatia, to Josip and Anica Kardum. In 1966, he emigrated to France, and in 1970 he followed his sister and her family to Windsor, Ontario, where he met his future wife, Josie. Marko and Josie were married on June 24, 1972, and together began building their family. Wanting to be surrounded by nature and the water, they and their three children moved to Victoria, British Columbia, where they welcomed their fourth child and developed deep community roots with family and friends.
Marko was a carpenter by trade and operated Kardum’s Construction Services in Victoria for over 40 years. He supported numerous employees over the decades and facilitated the skills development of young men on their vocational journeys. He took great pride in his work and was known for his dedication, integrity, and generosity. His customers were very important to him, and he built strong, lasting relationships with them, always guided by the principle: “Recommendation is our advertising.”
Committed to protecting local wildlife, Marko, together with his extended family, chose to preserve a prominent land acreage rather than develop it. Through an agreement with the District of Saanich, this land is today known as Kardum Park.
Marko was deeply committed to his local Catholic church and community, including generously giving his time to charitable organizations and dressing up like Santa Claus to hand out gifts to children. He was a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club, where over the years he made countless contributions, including leading the renovation of a home for young single mothers. Later, he joined the Royal Oak Lions Club, serving proudly as President for a term. During the war in 1992 affecting Croatia, Marko and his wife led the Victoria Chapter of the Croatian Relief Fund. Together, they organized shipments of clothing and food donations, as well as medical supplies and beds (generously donated by the Royal Jubilee Hospital), offering enormous aid to impacted children and families.
Marko was a devoted and loving father who would go to the ends of the earth for his family. He cherished every moment with his grandchildren and treasured the joy of watching them grow, laugh, and play together. He enjoyed fishing and loved his annual hunting trips up north with his sons and close friends, creating lifelong memories.
In 2002, Marko was a recipient of the commemorative medal for Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee that was awarded to honour those who contributed to Canada, their community and fellow Canadians.
Marko is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 53 years, Josie; his children, Joseph, Nikola (Shirley), Tanja (Al), and Christine; and his beloved grandchildren, Evelyn, Luka, Ava, and Emily. He is also remembered by his sisters Draga (Edward), Radojka, Marija, and Gordana (Dane); his brothers Nikola (Danka) and Bore (Rada); as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins in Canada and Croatia, and numerous dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother-in-law Marko, and his cherished younger sister, Nevenka.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Patient Care Centre and Renal Unit at the Royal Jubilee Hospital for the exceptional care and kindness provided to Marko over the past year and in his final weeks.
Marko lived his life supporting his family, friends and community. The Kardum family shares his appreciation for the support that he received in return.
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 29 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. at McCall Gardens Funeral Home, 4665 Falaise Drive. A Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, December 30 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Leopold Mandić Catholic Church, 4081 Gordon Head Road, followed by interment at Royal Oak Burial Park. Subsequent to the interment, please join the family for lunch at the St. Leopold Mandić Church Hall in celebration of Marko’s life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Leopold Mandić Croatian Parish.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Kardum” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Mary Sobol (Lorkovich)
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Richard and Annemarie Richard Habgood and Annemarie Rindt
Marko’s passing came as a very sad surprise. Our heartfelt condolences to Josie and family and the Croatian community. Annemarie and I have many fond, humorous, delightful memories of Marko. He was so approachable.
He was a first class tradesman, always fair, dependable and very accurate with whatever he was making or fixing. Whenever I passed on a job to Marko I never had to worry about a disappointed customer, they were always complimentary and wanting him to return to do other jobs.
A highlight of being a Lion was Marko’s fantastic contribution to the club. The Valentine’s dance with the generous support of Josie and the Croatian community was legendary. We had so much fun, many wonderful memories, Marko had a big heart and it showed with the way he helped create one of the most fun and engaging events of the year. We will miss him terribly but we have many fond memories.
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Elena Jenner Dear Josie: My deepest condolences to you and your family.
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Peter Southwell My condolences to the Kardum family on Marko’s passing. I appreciate the help that Tanya and Christine gave me by undertaking the care of my children, Sarah and Jacob,when they were young. Many times Marko and Josie took care of the kids on the weekends and afforded them a kind and loving home away from home. I was very lucky to have had them in my life at a very difficult time.On behalf of my family to yours,please accept my sincere prayers for you during this time of bereavement.
All our love, Peter, Sarah and Jacob.
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Gerry Adam Dear Josie and family
I was so sorry to read about the passing of Marko. He was a wonderful man who I met through Kiwanis. Marko always there when need with a big smile on his face and welcoming greeting.
Our thoughts are with you at this time
He will be missed!
Gerry Adam (Oak Bay Kiwanis)
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Lydia Dillman Dear Josie and family
I was saddened to hear the passing of Marco. Please accept my deepest condolences. Josie; our unexpected meeting and spending time with you and Marco, even if only brief,is a memory that I will cherish.
Rest in peace Marco
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Connie Mailloux Dear Tanja and her family,
Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. May loving memories bring you peace.
Sincerely,
Connie Mailloux
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The Rieb Family Marko was a kind, generous man who always had time to exchange a few words with his neighbours as he left the cul-de-sac in his blue van, off to another job for one of his long-time customers. His sudden passing was a great shock. We wish to express our sincerest condolences to Josie and the whole extended Kardum family.
Requiescat in pace, good Marko.
Dan, Stephanie and Kathryn
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Monica Zeba My deepest condolences to the entire Kardum family, sending my love to all of you.
As a young girl I spent a lot of time in the Kardum home & had many sleepovers. Teta Josie, Striko Marko and their children lovingly welcomed me into their home as another daughter & sister, I appreciate that so much & have fond memories of that time growing up with them. Striko Marko was a second father to me, he came up with the name “drugi Tata” and that’s what I always called him. I will never forget how he treated me like his own daughter, he cared about me & loved me like his own child and I’m forever grateful & thankful for that & for his kindness & generosity towards me. His big smile, warm heart & contagious laugh will always be in my mind & heart. He was a kid at heart & back in the day we loved watching cartoons together or a funny movie. He is one of the best of the best & his passing is a huge loss to all of us & the Croatian community. May he be taken into God’s arms and be reunited with family and friends who passed before. Rest in peace drugi Tata, I will miss you.
Love,
Monica Zeba
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Brajkovic Family Dear Josie & family,
Our deepest condolences to you & your family on the passing of Marko.
He was a wonderful man with a heart of gold. We will miss him dearly.
Our love and prayers are with you at this difficult time.Zoran & Jane Brajkovic
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Ana Drazic Dear Josie, accept my deep condolences. I was saddened to hear that Marko passed, may the lord give him peace everlasting, and may he give you and your family comfort at this sad time. I am so glad that I got to see both of you at the anniversary celebration in a September, and had a few words with Marko. I will always remember him as a kind and friendly man. May he rest in peace and may the everlasting light shine him.
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The Domitrovic Family Dearest Josie, Joseph, Nikola, Tanja, Christine and families:
We were so saddened to hear of the untimely passing of our Kum Marko. He was a cherished friend whose kind heart and beautiful smile we will always remember. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great sorrow.
Much love,
Kuma Helen, Daniel, Lidia and David Domitrovic
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Margaret Carmichael Marko and Josie have been the best neighbours. I have so many memories of the outgoing Marko always making socially awkward me feel at ease, as we held discussions over the back fence or in the driveway, solving the problems of the world, cursing the deer, and laughing.
One of my favourite memories is of Marko chasing Evie, about 3), dressed in little black skeleton pajamas all over the house and yard, Evie calling out, “I get you,” as she ran away from her grandpa. They were both so happy and laughing I started laughing too.
When Marko did the clean up of the front edge of his property, he always carried on and did mine too. He always asked about my kids, and when he spoke of his own family it was clear how much he loved them, and how proud he was of them all.
I also remember how patient he was with young people he worked with, as I had a front row seat as he built his dining room addition. One young man cut all of the 2 x 4 wall sills and studs too short, making them unusable. While Marko let the young man know he was unhappy, he didn’t raise his voice and he didn’t call him stupid. He let the boy know that making assumptions could be expensive, and they started over again. Marko was patient, generous, thoughtful of others, kind, and I will miss his sense of humour.
I hope Josie draws comfort from her faith and the love of her family, and I offer my condolences to all of his wonderful family
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Ana Sumecki & Family YOU ARE IN OUR
THOUGHTS & PRAYERS
During this difficult time, may you find comfort in the memories shared, strength in the love of those around you, and solace in the knowledge that your loved one will forever live on in your hearts.Ana Sumecki & Family
Dear Josie and Family,
I would like to express my deep and heartfelt sympathy over the loss of your husband, Marko.
From reading his obituary, it is clear what a good and kindhearted man he was. He will be deeply missed by so many.
Again Josie, I am so very sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Your friend,
Mary Sobol (Lorkovich)
Windsor, ON