Peace to you, Grandpa
He escaped his home, his childhood. Ravaged by war and politics, forced from place to place, he found refuge in England and with a woman named Audrey. Together with infant in arms they sailed across the Atlantic to blue-collar life in America. With dogged determination, he beat the odds; not afraid to line up for a job, he found success with his hands and his heart.
Where other men turned bitter and cynical, I only knew him to be ever-curious, ever-inventive and ever-loving.
He had a way of speaking, not with his thick Serbian accent, but through his eyes that could convey the most sincere love and emotion.
It was an honor to be the first person to call him Grandpa, we are all glad to have been loved by you.
(More photos from throughout the years)
What a wonderful tribute. Thank you for including us.
We met your grandfather for the first time in a park somewhere in Milwaukee. Your grandma and grandpa were sitting at a picknick table at the same park that we were enjoying. My ever friendly parents, Janet and Ray went over to befriend them and talk with them. If I remember correctly, they gave your family a ride home that day. My parents and your grandparents and our family have been friends ever since. We love them dearly.
Bryan
I echo my brother, Bryan’s, sentiments. We always felt as though we were all family. I was about five when we met at the park. That was followed by many visits back and forth and being included in St. Sava’s church picnics, programs with dancing and singing, which we loved. Family visits continued through the years, even after our family moved “up North” to Iola. John and Audrey came, along with Jane, to Dad’s (Ray) funeral late in 2005 and it was so good to see them. There was a lot of love; John (the name we used) was so very special and I know I can speak for Mom in saying we miss him, Along with many many pictures in the family albums are so many good memories. God’s blessings to your family.
Uncle Zivko was a very special person dearly loved by all his family. In turn, he deeply loved and was very proud of his family and his roots. We had many interesting and memorable telephone discussions on a wide range of subjects. He was highly intelligent, extremely well-read, a loving person and a real gentleman - very proud of him and our genetic link. He will be greatly missed by all of us and my tribute to him is:
You will be for ever in our hearts - memory of you is a golden chain that binds us until we meet again. To us you have not gone away, nor have you travelled far, but entered God’s lovely garden and left the door ajar.
I just visit your site after years. Sorry to know that your loved- Grandpa passed away. You’re great to have him as grandpa.
God blessings to you and your family.
Tri
I Never Met Your Grandpa But He Was My Great-Uncle and I Wish I Coud Of Met Him. I Am Sat With Your Grandma At Helen’s Lake House. Lots Of Love Shellby Riddle (Arthur’s Granddaughter)