Andrew Grbavac

With great sadness and gentle relief, the family of ANDREW GRBAVAC announces his passing on January 23, 2008, after he lost his battle with cancer.

Andrew was born on October 15, 1922 in Klobuk, Croatia. He immigrated to Canada at the age of 10 with his parents, and settled to farm in southern Alberta. Andrew attended school in Stirling and completed an accounting certificate in Calgary. After working in the financial field in Vancouver and Toronto, Andrew moved back to make a living on the family farm where he knew he would appreciate the gift of rain on the soil.

He married Catherine Mlacak in 1952, and together they worked hard and raised their family of six children. Andrew enjoyed living off the land; he took pleasure in the sunsets, a good rain, a heavy hay crop and he always took time to smell the roses.

Andrew enjoyed giving time and support to his community as a Member of the Lion's Club, the Knight's of Columbus, and the Bow Island Grazing Association. His contribution to these organizations' spanned across decades.

Catherine and Andrew moved to Lethbridge in 1983 to the new family home where he enjoyed the view of Big Chief Mountain. Andrew was happiest when the family gathered for celebrations, as he was proud to watch their children and grandchildren grow.

Andrew is survived by his wife, Catherine of 56 years, and his six children: Robert (Jana) Grbavac, Susan (Charles) Klaver, Diane (Aurelio) Delbello, William (Shawn) Grbavac, Nancy Hamilton, Carol (Paul Sacco) Grbavac. Andrew is also survived by 14 grandchildren, his sister Vi (Peterson), brother Val Grbavac, and a large extended family.

Andrew always said ""I'm a lucky man"" and, ""It's a beautiful day"".
Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at 7:00PM on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 Street South, Lethbridge, led by Fern Horvath and Sharon Hagel.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00AM on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 - 12 Ave South, Lethbridge, with Father Tim Boyle celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317-10 Street South, Lethbridge AB, T1J 2M7. Condolences may be sent to the family at, Martin Bros. Funeral Chapel, 610 - 4 Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P3.