Obituary of Franc Zidaric

Franc Zidaric   May 1, 1933 – June 21, 2017.  Passed away peacefully at Markham/Stouffville Hospital on June 21, 2017, after a long battle with illness with his loving wife, Ada, and beloved daughter, Sandra (John MacDonald) by his side.  He is also survived by his grandson, Evan, along with extended grandchildren Megan and Kenny, brother, Janko (Usta), sister, Mimika (Ludvik, deceased) and all his nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, Franc and Karolina, and his brother Karlo (Drajica) 

A quiet, shy, yet determined adventurer, he always looked to the future and lived his life without regrets. With his best friend, Emil, he escaped from the former Yugoslavia to Italy, then sailed to Chile, where they crossed the Andes on foot over 4 days and 3 nights before they reached their destination of Argentina. They survived on a small bottle of brandy and one sandwich. There, in 1962, he met and married his strongest advocate and ally, Ada, and experienced the birth of his only child, Sandra. Together, the three of them carried on with their adventures and eventually immigrated to Canada, where they extended their family with many dear friends. Wonderful picnics, bbqs, dances, beach days, and parties were enjoyed over the next 50 years.

Together with Ada, he continued his love of travelling, going back to visit his home in Slovenia and returning to Argentina and Italy. They also explored many new places – Germany, Austria, Portugal, Spain, England, Gibraltar, France, Brazil, Bahamas, Mexico and Alaska, with his last few trips being to Florida. Franc enjoyed all games and sports. As a young man, he was a gymnast and a motorcycle fan. He loved competition and games of chance with horse racing and blackjack being his favourites. He and Ada also developed a passion for playing tennis, winning many local tournaments.

Always a shy and sweet soul, Franc was happiest when guests were around his table enjoying food and drink, particularly when accompanied by his famous barbequed steaks and homemade wine, playing cards sharing in the laughter, and creating memories. He will be dearly missed by his family and dear friends.

As his much-loved grandson, Evan, said to him, “May your adventures continue to bring you good fortune, Dada”.

In lieu of flowers, donations to http://www.sclerodermaontario.ca or http://www.heartandstroke.ca will be gratefully appreciated.