Obituary of Mr. Paja "Paul" Kvrgic
Paul "Paja" Kvrgic
May 30, 1935 to January 29th, 2024
It is with Great Sadness that we share the passing of our beloved father and adorned Grandfather Paul "Paja" Kvrgic. Paul was born on May 30th, 1935 in Starchevo, Yugoslavia. He passed away on January 29th at his home in Scarborough, Ontario.
He is Survived by His Wife Marica, Sister Kata, His Sons, Goran and his wife Karen, Viktor and his wife Tina, and his six Grand Children, Alex, Daniella, Nicholas, Daniel Halaina, and Mathew
Paja lived in Surcin with his Parents Paja and Kat for most of his childhood and teen years. He survived World War 2 by staying quiet in his home and watching the Different Armies come through town, sometimes they were the friendly allies, and sometimes they were not. he learned how to get along with everybody. He was that kind of guy.
He attended the University in Yugoslavia where he earned 3 Engineering degrees (Mechanical, Industrial, and Aeronautical). Along with his Engineering Degrees, Paja learned seven different languages, including German, Italian, Russian, Latin, English, and of course Croatian and Serbian.
He had several jobs while attending University to help support himself and help his mother and father. It was not an easy time, but he always endured. He was not without his passions. He loved to play soccer and achieved a very high level, where he was eligible to join the national team. He instead chose to work on his quest to become an Engineer.
His other passion was cycling. He and his friends would often cycle for 100-200 km in a day just to blow off steam and stay healthy. At the time, his bicycle was his main form of transportation and he very much enjoyed cycling even to this day.
Towards the end of University, he met Marica. Their love and relationship grew and they were married on December 20th, 1964. They were in their 60th year of marriage when he passed.
In May of 1966, and December of 1968 they were blessed with 2 sons Goran and Viktor. After their boys were born, He and Marica devoted their time to creating a better life for their children and his family.
He and Marica moved to Pancevo where Paja worked as an Engineer in the glass plant, and Marica worked as a Pharmacist. They saved their money but still managed to take their two boys on periodic driving vacations to the Adriatic coast and the island of Hvar of which many memories and pictures still exist.
In August 1973, at the age of 38, they took the very Brave step of packing up their life belongings into a few suitcases and taking their 4 and 7-year-old boys to a new country, Canada. It was tough going at first, But Paul was able to secure a drafting job, in Hamilton, Ontario. Within about 6 months he was hired as an Engineer at the Pilkington Glass plant and moved his family to Toronto.
All the while, he and Marica were saving every penny they could to afford their very own home—a dream that they had for their kids which was almost unattainable in Yugoslavia.
On November 1st, 1975, Paul and Marica moved into their own home which was a very proud moment for them, and something they had dreamed of their whole life.
For 6 years, they didn't buy a car, but walked to work and grocery shopping just so they could afford their home. They did!
In 1981 as their kids were growing older, and getting close to University age, they decided to buy a bigger home right in the middle of the early 1980 recession. A year after they moved into their own home, his oldest son was just starting University, Pilkington Glass was closed and he lost his Job.
Being the fighters that He and Marica were, he managed to find another position quickly, Marica worked 2 jobs and they managed. In case that wasn't enough uncertainty and risk, 2 years later in 1986 They started their own business, 'Scarborough Pharmacy". It is still in business today with new owners at the helm.
From here forward, his life was dedicated to his Boys and their Families. He was very involved in all of the Grand children's education, extracurricular activities, and a lot of Babysitting when they were younger.
All of his grandchildren were able to spend many days of many years with their Grandpa be it on outings to the zoo, or the museum. He watched their musical performances and their sporting events, or just him provided wisdom and guidance and a clarity that only a caring experienced Grandpa could.
When he was not with his grandkids, he learned to work with his hands in all trades from Carpentry to roofing to dry walling, and enjoyed working on his home, as well as his two sons' homes. It allowed him time to be near his grandkids while helping out both his sons' families.
He never complained, he enjoyed making people laugh, and always wanted what was best for his Family. He and Marica worked extremely hard and were very proud of his kids and grandkids.
We are all very proud of him, loved him very much, and will miss him more than we know. However, he has left his influence, imprints, guidance, and love for all of us that will never dissipate. It will be with all of us as long we live, and hopefully pass it on to our grandchildren and more.
In Loving Memory of Paja "Paul" Kvrgic. - Husband, Father, Grandfather, Mentor, and Hero!
