Djuro (George) Njegovan
Peacefully on Canada Day, July 1, 2014, with his wife and family at his side, Djuro (George) Njegovan entered into eternal rest at 93 years old. George was born on June 1, 1921 in Medak, Lika, Yugoslavia the fourth child of Tomica and Milka Njegovan. With the outbreak of WWII he joined the Chetniks Ravna Gora under General Draza Mihailovic. In the course of the war he was awarded the highest Award for bravery, the Karadorde (Kara George) Star. With the communist takeover of Yugoslavia he was unable to return to Yugoslavia and as many other displaced veterans made his way to England where he settled in Warwickshire and found employment as a coal miner. Here he met and married the love of his life, Iris Nichols in 1950. In September of 1951 their first child Milena Mary was born. Desiring a better life for his family and following his younger brother Bogdan, in July of 1952 they immigrated to Canada and settled in Flin Flon Manitoba where he found work in the HBM&S smelter. In December of that year their second child, Milan Frederick was born. In May of 1954 the family was completed with the birth of twins James Dusan and Bogdan George on their mother's birthday; a wonderful gift and ongoing joy for all concerned.
George's interests were many and varied but always first in his life was his family in whom he took great pride encouraging and challenging them to do the best they could. George became a citizen of his adopted country in 1957 and sincerely believed it to be the best country in the world. In 1992 George was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada for his "significant contribution to compatriots, community and to Canada." He took an avid interest in politics, serving as northern vice-president of the PC party of Manitoba and culminating in his being a candidate in the Provincial Election in 1973. He was an active and devoted member of St. James' Anglican Church, serving on the Vestry, as Rector's Warden and a Delegate to the Diocesan Synod. George was also a Member of the Steelworkers' Union and served as a Shop Steward. He was a loyal member of the Masonic Lodge and the Khartum Temple Northern Shrine Club serving as president in 1989. He also served as a "Dad Advisor" to the Order of DeMolay and was a chaperone at the first All Canada Conclave in 1970. He was always an avid reader and he also contributed many articles to various Serbian publications. Djuro celebrated his Serbian heritage and shared many rich traditions with his family.
George is survived by his wife of 63 years, Iris; his children Milena (Don), Milan (Kathy), James (Bernadette), Bogdan (Muriel); his grandchildren Jessica (Cameron), Milica (Ryan), Ashley, Katarina (Todd), Andrew (Courtney), Noah, Milan (Erin), Connor, Robyn, Rachelle (Aaron); his great grandchildren Kane, Liana, Abby, Sydney, Audrey, Scotty, Spencer, James, Kira, Wyatt, Cohen, and two to be announced; sister Ljubica Grbic (Australia); sisters-in-law Jean Wright (England),
Sophia Njegovan (Serbia), Mildred Njegovan (Canada); brother-in-law Fred Nichols (England); as well as his many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins around the world.
He was predeceased by his parents, his siblings: Jelana,Bojana, Milan, Marica, Bogdan,and Dusan.
Funeral services were held on July 7 at St Peter & St James Anglican Church, Flin Flon, with the Rt. Rev'd. James Njegovan, Bishop of Brandon officiating. Crucifer was Ashley Hollett, Pallbearers were Noah Njegovan, Milan Njegovan, Connor Njegovan, Tom Njegovan, Donald Njegovan, and Donald Hollett. Organist and Gusla player was Mark Kolt.
Memorial Donations to the Primate's World Relief & Development Fund (designated for children) 80 Hayden St. Toronto, ON M4Y 3G2; The Shriner's Children's Hospital; Children's Wish Foundation, or a charity of one's choice would be appreciated.
Thanks are expressed to Dadson's Funeral Home, Flin Flon, Andrychuck's Funeral Home Kamsack, Saskatchewan, and to the wonderful Doctors, Nurses, and Staff of Kamsack Union Hospital.
"Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your master!"
