Roko Ivan Nikolić passed away peacefully at the age of 85 in the morning of December 24 with his family at his side, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Vaganac, Croatia on June 13, 1933.
Roko is survived by Zorica, his loving wife of 55 years; his two children Kathy (Gus Niketas) and Roko (Cindy); and his grandchildren Alexander, Kristina, and Christos Niketas, and Roko and Daniela Nikolić. He is also survived by two of his sisters Maša Jadek and Danica Harris. He is predeceased by his other siblings Ivan, Tina, Manda, Dane, Milka, and Jela.
Roko arrived in Canada in 1957 as a refugee escaping communist oppression in the former Yugoslavia. A master tailor, he started his business, British Custom Tailors, soon thereafter. He had the pleasure of dressing many military officers, celebrities, and politicians. Roko was a dedicated servant, outspoken advocate, and mainstay in the Croatian community. He has gone to rest with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in Whom he placed his hope.
Thank you to all who provided him care.
A Prayer Service will be held at St. Leopold Mandić Croatian Catholic Church, 4081 Gordon Head Road on Thursday, December 27 at 6:00 PM. Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 28 to be followed by entombment at the Royal Oak Burial Park and a Celebration of Life luncheon in the Croatian church hall.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
20 Responses
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband and father. We have known each other for many years and have become good friends. I felt Roko was made of granite and was full of life. I felt that it would be a cardiac problem that eventually would take Roko from us. When I spoke to him for the last time per phone in November he had told me had been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer and that his time on earth was limited, I was shocked. He told me a change of his pain-Rx was making him more comfortable and gave him back some limited quality of life, however I remember Zorica telling me he had a bad night on December 23rd. I hope he was peaceful and was able to remain at home before his passing. He will leave a great void in the Nikolic family. May your faith carry through this very difficult time. I am thinking of you.
Hans-Joachim Heimlich
Rest In Peace my Brather.
Give hugs to my dear Harold.
Dovidenja
Condolences to the family. Roko made my first Naval Officer’s uniform in the 1960’s and when I retired he made suits for me I still wear. He became a good friend. I always admired his
love for Croatia. I shall miss him.
I first met Roko and Zorica under my apple tree. They had bag in hand and asked if they could have a few apples for a pie. That was the beginning of many short visits with both of them, then later with only Roko as he walked past my house and stopped by for a few words over the fence. I will miss those enriching encounters.
Gloria MacLeod
I was very saddened to hear of Roco’s passing. He was a very special friend to my husband Dale Crawford and I for many years. I can only imagine what the two of them will get up to now.
Ourincere condolences to Zorica and the family. The Croatian community has lost a very honest and loyal Croatian.
Naša iskrena sućut. Počivao u miru Božijem. Ankica Došen i kćeri i njihove obitelji.
Roko was a great fellow and I loved running into him as we would catch up. He will be greatly missed…til we meet again Roko!!
Our sincere condolences to the entire Nikolic family upon the passing of the patriarch,Roko.
My mother and father,now deceased,lived down Admirals Rd.from Roko. On his walks he would stop and chat, he always had a few pleasantries to share and an upbeat word to all. As time passed, I moved into the “homestead” and my wife and I enjoyed the same positive interactions with Roko. We will miss his walk bys and friendly wave, go in peace, our friend.
Dear Nikolic Family,
Our hearts are with you in Love and Sympathy. May your happy memories of the past bring you a measure of comfort and peace.
Lovingly Joe and Nada Lora
Dear Nikolic Family,
We are saddened to hear of your loss. Roko was a well respected and knowledgeable gentleman, a devout catholic and a superb master tailor. We will miss you.
Vlado Bracic and family