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.
34 Responses
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eva, Brian, Robbie
My memories of Roko are all filled with thanks and how lucky I was to be a part of his wonderful life. He was so kind to me in both business and with personal family issues, and we cultivated a warm relationship. From 1978-1984 I was a partner in a kitchen cabinet business and that is when I first met Roko & Eva (even then on Alpha Street) … as we bought all of our counter-tops and laminate from Colonial
After our company was sold in 1984, I was on my own and Roko offered me a job at Colonial where I was treated with respect and kindness. He would even lend me the family motorhome and allow me to take my 3 young kids to Disneyland in California. He ( and Eva) would open his house (on Catalina Terrace) for the kids and I to have a swim in their family pool. And the Colonial staff / family gatherings with summer BBQ’s and Christmas dinners were always a special time for all involved with the Kliman family.
In 1987-88 Roko organized for me to move to Burnaby (live with Robbie in his apartment) and be a part of the group that helped start E. Roko Distributors in Lake City Way. with a great staff and Roko’s leadership, we had a lot of fun.
Roko was a good friend, and I loved him (and his family) for the way in which he helped me and my family and how he loved us all
Jim Griffin
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
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
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.
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.
My sincere condolences to all the family!!