Anton SMILOVIC

SMILOVIC, Anton-2009-03-28 It is with great sadness that the family announces the death of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Anton (Tony) Smilovic of Thunder Bay at age 71, who passed away on March 24th at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Krsan, Istra, Croatia, on January 1st 1938. In 1958 he immigrated to Canada with his long time friend Josip Vellan, and Tony settled in Thunder Bay to build a new life. He immediately started working as a skilled cabinet maker for Arnone Cabinets. In 1962 he met Paulette and they were married in July, 1964 and they built a happy life together. Later on, he held various positions within Canada Car/Hawker Siddley and subsequently as a mechanical millwright for Great Lakes Paper/Bowater for 21 years until his retirement in 1997. Tony was a man full of life and special character. He was hardworking, dependable, loving and caring. He enjoyed any challenge presented to him to repair equipment of all kinds. He always extended his talents to help his neighbours and friends, who steadily called upon him to come over and fix, build, or improve upon whatever needed to be done. Wherever he went, he was known by all as “Mr. Fix-it.” His outgoing personality found him constantly invited and visiting others. He enjoyed sports of all kinds but especially golfing with his friends Ken Blazina and Ken Boegh. He would also never miss his weekly billard game with Fritz Becker as well as his monthly card game with the “Ukrainian Boys”. His other passion included his well-maintained garden, which he generously shared the fruits of his labour with his friends and neighbours. An avid wine maker, he set out each year to create his best blend ever, always inviting others over to have a taste. He enjoyed the outdoors, looking forward each year to staying at Ted Chamut‘s camp to spend time fishing. Tony was also a musician, playing the accordion to entertain his many guests. Tony and his wife Paulette spent many years traveling together, especially to his beloved homeland in Croatia to reunite with his mother, brothers and sisters. He always remembered them with numerous phone calls throughout the year. Tony was a long time member of the CEP local 39 and the Port Arthur Prosvita Hall where he volunteered his time to help make perogies and socialize. His heart was always centered around his family. He was very proud of the achievements of his two daughters as well as being a proud “Grandpa” to his two beautiful grandchildren, who brought him constant joy, Grayson and Abby. He will be forever remembered by his beloved wife Paulette of 44 years, his loving daughters Sandra (Doug) Wolter, Lisa (Glen) Goodman and their two children Grayson and Abby. His brothers Albino and Franko, and sisters Zita, Olga, Pina, Maria, Emma, Yolanda and spouses, numerous nephews, nieces all living in Croatia. His sister-in-law Lilliane Niemi, who gave him special care during his last few days, nieces Nancy, Janice (Corey, Ashlyn, Jett) Sweitzer, nephew James Niemi, Nina, Julie, Tony and Johnny Smilovic. He was predeceased by his parents Anton and Ida, in-laws Dmitro and Anastazia Radawiec, brother Guido, brother-in-law Reino Niemi and Angelo of Croatia. In accordance with Tony‘s wishes, cremation has taken place and a Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 1st, 2009 at 10:00 AM in St. Anthony‘s Roman Catholic Church 123 Hilldale Road. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday March 31st, 2009 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM in the HARBOURVIEW FUNERAL CENTRE, 499 North Cumberland Street, with Vigil Prayers being offered at 7:00 PM the same evening. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tony‘s memory to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. God saw he was getting tired & a cure was not to be..... So he put his arms around him & whispered, "Come with me." Although we loved him deeply, we could not make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating. Hard-working hands put to rest. Our broken hearts now to prove to us, He only takes the best.... Forever loved and remembered by your family.