ZIVAN BATA (JOHN) MILOVANOVICH

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ZIVAN BATA (JOHN) MILOVANOVICH At the age of 80, John has received his well deserved peace and rest with his family by his side to wish him a safe journey. Left to mourn his passing are his wife Jogoda; daughters, Lillian (Norman Dwight), Milica, Alexandra, and Susan; his grandchildren, Nickola and Dawn and great- grandson Bata; his brother Sveta (Mila) and extended family, Dragoslav, Slobodanka, Mladan, and Nikola to name a few. He is also survived by his sister Radmilla, his many nieces, nephews and godchildren. His constant companion Freddy waits still. John was a strong, resourceful and self-disciplined man, who overcame the many human events life dealt him. He was a Royal Serbian soldier of the Second World War, a prisoner of war in Germany, and Camp Leader for his people at wars end. He chose Canada as his country when hope of returning to his home of Shumadija ended. He started over in Birtle, MB, and as was his nature immediately began making many profound friendships. He continued in character on arriving in Winnipeg. His door was always open to all the newcomers who gathered at his table. He assured their well-being while they settled into their new lives. John was a founding member and past president of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church. He was a founding member and past president of the Serbian Folklorama Association. John was a master stonemason by trade and took great pride in pointing out the many structures he was party to erecting. John was a long-term member of the Manitoba Wildlife Federation. He had a great passion for the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. His talent in the garden produced the first blooms and a constant source of fine eating. He was a most hospitable man. The family wishes to extend their thanks and appreciation to Dr. Jill Kernahan and the staff of Seven Oaks Hospital for the care and true kindness shown to "Papa". Prayers will be held on Wednesday, March 7 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 8 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 580 Talbot Ave., with Fathers Joseph and Radovan officiating. His boys Mladan, Nikola, Dwight, Alexander, David and Djoka will carry him to his final resting place in Brookside Cemetery. "May the sun always shine and the grass grow green where you rest as you begin your new life. We will miss you always." CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL in care of arrangements, 586-8044.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 07, 2001