Date de Décès: 2009-05-01
Date de Parution: 2009-05-04
Source: The Observer, Sarnia, ON
MARKOVIC, Simo (Sam) - “Gone Fishing” Sam (Simo) Markovic passed away peacefully at the Palliative Care Ward of Bluewater Health in Sarnia on Friday, May 1st, 2009, with his loving wife Helen by his side. Born May 11th 1934 in Srebrenica, Bosna, Sam's determination was notable early in life, escaping from Yugoslavia with his cousin Jerry Jovanovic, immigrating to Canada in 1958 with only a few dollars in his pocket. Honesty and work ethic were important to Sam - despite not having enough money to pay for one of his first meals in Canada (from an understanding and gracious restauranteur), Sam promised to return and pay for the meal once he had landed a job and received his first paycheck - a promise he fulfilled the next week to the astonished restauranteur). These hallmarks of Sam's character were only outshone by his love of family, friends and the outdoors. He was never too busy to lend a helping hand. Sam made his home in Sarnia. This is where he met and wed the love of his life, Helen and where they raised their family. Sam led by example, instilling a sense of compassion and drive in everything he did and forging family bonds through road trips to British Columbia, Prince Edward Island and Florida. Sam forged strong ties and friendships throughout the community after founding Sam's Heating in 1970, and operating it over the next 39 years with the same honesty and dedication. Sam had a passion for the outdoors, exhibited most strongly through his love of fishing - which, to those who knew him well, was an outlet for his passion to know people and take time to laugh. Early morning (5am) fishing with friends, sons, neighbours and grandchildren or anyone he could awaken were not uncommon - although Sam was known to have an afternoon nap on longer fishing trips. Sam is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Helen; his brother, Momcilo and wife Natasha Markovic of Sarnia; children, Jeff and Marnie Markovich, of Houston, Texas, Jim Markovich, of Oakland, California, Brian and Laura Markovich, of New York, New York; grandchildren, Melissa, Amanda and Jonathan Markovich; and nephew Dan Markovic of Toronto. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Dragan and Zagorka Markovic; sisters Perka and Jela and brother Savo, all of Bosna, and daughter Karen. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 5th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 1576 London Line, Sarnia. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 6th at 11:00am, also at Smith Funeral Home. The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to the caring and professional staff of the Palliative Care Ward at Bluewater Health in Sarnia. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Palliative care unit of Bluewater Health in Sarnia or the Canadian Cancer Society. Memories and condolences may be sent online at www.smithfuneralhome.ca 11497441