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
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!
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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