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.
14 Responses
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
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.
Dear Josie: My deepest condolences to you and your family.
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.