Milan Mrakic

Milan Mrakic passed away peacefully with his family by his side on December 18, 2021. He would have been 92 in January.

Milan was born in Bovec, Yugoslavia on January 13, 1930. After losing his Mother and then his Nona during the war, he became a partisan at an early age, volunteering to carry explosives to blow up bridges and prevent the Germans crossing Europe.

After the war, he was separated from his siblings and immigrated to Canada in 1951. He worked his way from New Brunswick through many northern communities, arriving in Thunder Bay in 1952.

At the Finn Hall Milan met the love of his life, Rosa Ambrozic. He asked her for a dance and they enjoyed 60 years of marriage prior to Rose’s passing in 2016.

In 1956 they became Canadian citizens and were married in 1957 in St Andrew’s Church in Thunder Bay and started their family. They were blessed with two boys, Rick and Mark and eventually travelled to Atikokan where they raised their boys and made lifelong friendships.

Milan was well known in the business community, particularly during the many years that he operated logging businesses and other interests throughout the Northwest. He was an innovator in the industry, often the first to purchase new machinery and provide feedback on needed improvements. In 1952 he bought his first chainsaw; a McCulloch, at a cost of $500 and weighing in at 62 lbs.

In 1979 Milan moved his logging operations to Armstrong and in 1988 purchased his first Peterson chipper, which can still be seen in the yard on Rosslyn Road.

One of his proudest moments was receiving the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada, in recognition of significant contribution to compatriots, community and Canada. He was humbled by the honour.

Milan was well travelled and an avid fan and supporter of his grandchildren’s many endeavors. He enjoyed collecting coins and one of his greatest past times was visiting the casino. He always had a smile when he talked about his casino friends.

Milan is survived by his son Mark (Judy), daughter-in-law Heidi Smith (Bill), Grandchildren; Joshua, Haley and Jayden Mrakic, Mariah Mrakic (Eric TenHave), Great Grandchildren; Jack Mrakic, Fiona and Trenton TenHave and sister Anna Maria in Sweden. He was predeceased by brother David and sister Katarina, his wife Rose (2016) and eldest Son Rick (1996).

Milan said that he had lived his life to the fullest with no regrets, and with his body no longer able to carry on, he was ready to be called home.

The Family would like to thank the staff of 2B at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital where Milan was treated with great care and compassion.

Funeral Services for Milan will be held in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre on Monday, January 3, 2022 presided by Rev. Antoni Fujarczuk of St. Andrew’s Church at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning an hour prior. A private family interment will follow in St. Andrew’s Cemetery. Due to current gathering restrictions, space is limited. Please call the funeral home at 346-9880 if you wish to attend the Funeral Service.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be streamed live and then archived at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca where condolences may be offered as well.

As directed by the Province of Ontario and the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, a record of attendance must be maintained. Wearing of masks or face coverings by everyone and maintaining social distancing of 6 feet is mandatory for those attending the visitation and services.