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John (Ivan) Victor Karcich died after 92 years of age, being born, raised,and descendant from the western islands of Croatia. He organized the departure of four families from post-World War II oppression and out-witted chasing patrol boats to cross the Adriatic Sea. First seeking access to the United States, where his father had spent over 20 years, he was grateful to have Canada accept his family, becoming a proud Canadian citizen in 1965.

After a stay near Vaxhaul, Alberta, John connected with the small number of Croatian island families in Oshawa. He worked at Robson-Lang Tannery and retired from General Motors as a proud member of the union. He prided himself in building his house and took pleasure in his greenhouse and garden.

To engage with old friends and his passion for fishing, John returned often to his hometown of Unije. He enjoyed catching squid, lobster, crab and a large range of salt-water fish. He was a member of Club Giuliano Dalmato of Toronto. John was married to Josephine Carcich in 1947. She died in 2005. He will be remembered for his humour and good will.

Public funeral service will be Wednesday, November 16 at Holy Cross Church, Oshawa, where he had been a parishioner for 56 years followed by interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Whitby.