A Celebration Of Life: Anton Markovinovic

Passed away peacefully, in his sleep, on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at the age of 86.

He was the beloved husband of Kate for over 61 years. Loving father of his sons Michael (Dianne), Peter, John (Vanessa) and predeceased by his son Joe.

Cherished Croatian grandfather (Dida) of Kristina (Josh), Joseph (Mary), Celia, Lillian, Joseph and predeceased by his grandson Steven. Special great grandfather (Dodo) to Easton.

He will be dearly missed by siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.

Anton was born in Gornji Lapac Croatia, then fled to Bjelovar when his childhood was disrupted by the outbreak of WWII. He worked on trucks as a mechanic and was drafted into the army in 1954. Upon release he had nothing to return to, so he escaped to Trieste Italy where he was captured and sent back. Once again he fled to Italy, this time captured
and put into refugee camps. From there he was given the opportunity to immigrate to Canada, so he travelled by boat from Naples to Halifax arriving here in 1957, penniless and alone. He made his way to Thunder Bay, Ontario where he worked for railroad gangs and in lumber camps. Anton met the love of his life Kate in 1959 and married her that same
year. They started a family, living in Toronto then Kitchener, then finally settling in Puslinch where he built a service centre in 1972, followed by a second in 1988. Anton loved Canada and his hometown of Puslinch. He was a founding member of the KW Croatian Club (The Dom) in Breslau Ontario and active within the club for many years. He enjoyed the picnics and soccer games, the many events and get-togethers, and socializing with family, friends and club members.

Anton enjoyed a good time with his loved ones and a full glass of “vino”. He was always more than willing to give life advice “you can’t be stupid, you got to be smart”. You laugh, because he was truthful – “nothing is for free, you work hard”. He leaves behind a true legacy, a person that so many people respected and loved. He proved you can do anything with nothing, and family and friends are everything.

Due to Covid restrictions, a private family funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. You are welcome to join his family for Anton’s service using the Zoom link on the Gilbert
MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home webpage.

As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital, Respiratory Therapy would be appreciated.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Anton Markovinovic please visit the Tribute Store.