Branko Kotarac

It is with deep sadness and sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved father and husband, Branko Kotarac on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. "Tata" was 90 years young; he passed away gently and in peace at St. Joseph's Hospital with his children by his side.

Branko was born on September 25, 1927 in Arzano Dalmacija Croatia (Hrvatska). He immigrated to Canada in 1956 to start a new life and adventure. He worked various labour jobs beginning as a bush worker and ended his working days retiring from the Port Arthur shipyards as a rigger in 1992. 

Upon his arrival to Canada, Branko met and married the love of his life, Manda Pavelic. They were married in December 1958 and spent many happy years together nurturing and providing for their 3 children and working hard to ensure their family was safe, healthy, loved and happy. Their love and support throughout the years was unconditional beyond measure. 

Branko was an active member of the Croatian home Society for many years as well as a devout member of the Croatian Catholic Parish on Oliver Road where he attended Mass most faithfully and regularly; his faith was very strong and he lived his beliefs trusting in his faith and never wavering. His dedication to God and family was most inspiring, guiding us all and giving him strength during his life and most recent illness. 

During his retirement Tata enjoyed travelling to his homeland to visit family and friends, tending to his fruitful and abundant garden, making homemade VINO, preparing lambs, pigs in our traditional way for family roasts and Croatian picnics. Tata was very skillful and the master of this technique, the younger generation learned by observing and watching him prepare the lambs and piglets for this special feast. There was always an occasion to celebrate in Tata's eyes and if there wasn't, he made one up so that he could have his family and friends gather around his lamb roast and toast the occasion and life itself. "Zivjeli Tata". When his grandchildren arrived he was most proud and happy to spend his days taking them to the park, McDonald’s, Intercity, watching them during their sporting activities be it soccer, hockey or baseball. He was so very proud of all his grandchildren and wore his heart on his sleeve; his smile when he saw them would melt all hearts. Most recently he became a great grandfather and was over joyous to have lived to see this day come.

Branko's presence will be so sadly missed by his beloved wife Manda; his sons Mike (Lynda), Zdravko aka Tony (Loretta), and his only daughter Ann (Kazimir); grandchildren Cassandra, Justyn, Zachary, Jesse and great grandson Niko; sisters Kruna and Dragica from Croatia and numerous nieces and nephews from his extended family in Croatia who loved him dearly and also with honourable mention to his "Bratic" Srecko Kotarac (Andelka) from Toronto along with their children who all loved their "Stric" Branko. 
He was predeceased by his parents Jakov and Maria, brothers Ivan, Mirko and Slave, and sisters Eva Zaja and Anka Krolo.

Tata lived his life to the fullest, his smile and laughter, his touch, his passion and zest for life will forever live in our hearts and minds. He was a legend, a dedicated father and husband, a proud Croatian and although we will miss him so very dearly, God called him home. Tata is resting peacefully now, guiding and watching us from above.

 Dragi nas Tata... Ljubimo te, postivamo te, nikad necemo zaboravit tvoje rijeci, tvoj njezni pogled... tvoj smjeh, tvoja dobrota a naj vise tvoja bezsmrtna ljubav koja nas drzi skupa kroz nas zivot... kao tvoje rijeci "Samo posteno, samo posteno". Pocivaj u Miru Dragi nas Tata. 

Visitation for family and friends of Branko will be held Tuesday evening, September 18, 2018 between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. with Vigil Prayers to begin at 7:00 p.m. presided by Deacon Andre Nicol. Services will be held on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 leaving the Harbourview Funeral Centre at 9:30 a.m. to the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary Croatian Catholic Church, 479 Oliver Road, for Funeral Mass to be celebrated by Rev. Francisco Blazek, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will follow in Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum, St. Andrew’s Cemetery.

As an expression of sympathy or in lieu of flowers, if friends and family so wish, donations can be made to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Croatian Catholic Parish, or to the TBRHSC-Northern Cancer Fund.