Ivan John Zubcic

March 7, 1938 - May 7, 2022

It is with sadness we announce that Ivan John Zubcic passed away on May 7, 2022 with family by his side at Prince George Hospice House.

Ivan Zubcic, was born March 7, 1938 to Franka and Jakova Zubcic in Trnovac Croatia, in the home, that for more than 300 years, was the birth place for all the family before him.

Ivan was the youngest child and helped his family in many ways around the farm. Ivan was full of desire to go to Canada.

In 1960, at the age of 22, and with the support of his sponsor, his uncle, Karlo Zubcic, he left Croatia for a new life. Ivan made it to Canada and lived with Uncle Karlo and Aunt Milka and their children, Paul, Mary and Katie , who believed in and loved Ivan very much.

In Canada he would now be known as John.

John quickly began to learn the ways of his new Country. His cousin Mary helped him with English and Katie and Paul helped him assimilate over the next 5 years as they all lived together and enjoyed life in Kapuskasing.

John worked in mills and camps and in construction. He took pride in what he did and enjoyed very much his life in Canada. You could find him behind the wheel of one of the cool cars he owned. John would say each car was his favorite.

His true love was his family. Even though John never married or had his own children , his love for family never faltered. He looked forward to traveling to visit Katie and Jim or Mary and Joe or Paul and Ann and their children. He did this often as he enjoyed celebrating life.

He never forgot his beloved Croatia and went back once to visit in 1980.

John lived a very minimalistic life in Prince George, enjoying friends in his community, especially his Croatian friends and countrymen. John loved Prince George for all it offered in natural beauty. He took early retirement from union 1611 when he was 58. John devoted his life to saving to give everything he had back home. He was always thinking of his sister, her children and her grandchildren. He also never forgot his brother or his brothers son also named Ivan.

John fondly recalls how beautiful the Coast of Croatia is and the best parts of his Motherland, the food and people. John was quiet, kind and respectful of others.

He was thankful of his dear friend Brian who was there for him over the years that he was needing help recovering from his surgeries and cancer treatments. Brian’s help allowed John to stay living independently till the end.

John fought all his health battles over the years, with Cancer being the final battle. As John’s life came to an end, he remained strong and never complained.

John was thankful for his doctors and nurses who cared so much for him.

In his final days and hours he reminisced fondly about his friends, family and great memories playing pool and Traveling with friends, especially to Victoria, BC.

John will be laid to rest in Kelowna British Columbia with the rest of his extended Croatian and Canadian family.