JOSIP (JOSEPH) HAIC
December 1, 1934 – January 10, 2013

It is with sadness we announce the passing of our dear Tata (Dad) and Deda (Grandfather), Josip (Joseph) Haić, at Seven Oaks Hospital (ICU) at the age of 79 years.

Over the years Tata faced many health challenges and ever the fighter faced them head on. Sadly he developed pneumonia with complications and fought his last battle. Although his body gradually weakened his strength was remarkable. Tata passed away peacefully with his family gathered at his side on January 10, 2013.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters Nadia (John) and Mary; grandchildren Jason (Susan), Carlo (Caylin), Nathan, Charlie and Nicholas, great grandchildren Jacob, Nadia and Diego. From Croatia, his brother Slavko (Janica) and many nieces, nephews and friends. He will be greatly missed by his special niece Ljubica (Branko) Bobinac from Croatia and many friends in Winnipeg and across Canada.

Tata was predeceased by his parents Djuro (Ljubica), brothers Stjepan and Djuro from Croatia.

Tata was born on December 1, 1934 in the village of Osekovo in the former Yugoslavia (now Croatia). He was very proud of his Croatian heritage. As a young man he served in the army. Following the army Tata moved to Zagreb to attend school to become a Master Carpenter. In 1957 Tata made a brave decision to flee communist Yugoslavia in pursuit of a better life. He travelled through the mountains by foot and arrived at a refugee camp in Lager Feffernitz, Austria. After spending close to a year at the camp Tata boarded a ship and sailed for Canada. Arriving in Quebec he boarded the train that brought him to Winnipeg in August 1958 where he would ultimately build a better life and raise his family. Within a few days Tata got a job working at a furniture factory. Many years later Tata ventured into his own business H&M Construction. Later on he worked for Qualico Homes as an Inspector until his retirement. Tata was a master at carpentry, there was nothing he could not build.

Tata was a proud man who was determined, ambitious and hard working. He was always eager to learn new skills and trades to make a better life for his family. Tata became a Canadian citizen in 1967. He spent the majority of his life residing in Winnipeg’s North End; a community where he felt at home. Despite initial hardships Tata was fortunate and proud to have built his first home for his family in 1970 in the Garden City community. Many years later he built his second home returning to his North End roots. Tata took great pleasure in being part of building the St. Nicholas Tavelich Roman Catholic Church. He looked forward to his gatherings with his friends at Garden City Shopping Centre; it was a daily ritual for him. He was expressive, often opinionated but never boring, always the jokester who loved to tease. He looked forward to working on his projects or helping us with ours and especially loved having his garden and tending to his flowers. Tata was a strong man with a kind heart who would always be there to help you. He worked hard for his family and wanted the very best for them. Tata was the happiest when surrounded by his family celebrating holidays; Christmas was his most cherished holiday. In his heart he loved his family, the company of friends and especially loved listening to his homeland Croatian music.

We would like to thank all our and Tata’s friends who visited, supported and prayed for him. The family thanks the wonderful staff at Seven Oaks Hospital (ICU) for their exceptional care of our Tata. Also to Chris (Manager of ICU) thank you for all your guidance and our many heartfelt talks.

Prayers will be said on Wednesday, January 16 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 17 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Nicholas Tavelich Roman Catholic Church, 2688 Main Street with Father Robert Polz officiating. Interment will follow at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. A gathering of family and friends to follow at the church in the reception hall.

Pocivao u Miru Tata.