Obituary of Dinko Mandaric

Passed away, surrounded by his family on March 24, 2024, at the age of 92. He was a loving and devoted husband to Metoda Mandaric for 60 years, until her passing in 2019. Beloved father of Irena and dear friend of his son-in-law, Bruce Kaye. Cherished grandfather of Tanya Kaye and Kelly (Derek) Oswalt.

Dinko was born in Croatia on January 10, 1932, the youngest of nine children to Mate and Tada Mandaric. Dinko lost his father at the age of six and in his childhood years, lived through the harsh realities of World War II. His mother’s strength and perseverance, as she raised and provided for her children through those difficult times, taught Dinko the importance of family. His mother taught love, devotion, and faith through example.

As a young man, Dinko’s keen intelligence and entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to create opportunities for himself in the post-war depression of Yugoslavia. He eventually found himself working on a road construction crew in Slovenia. This was to set his life on a new path. A young girl happened to live along this road and as many love stories begin, she caught his eye. That young girl (Metoda) was to become his wife, but not before he undertook one of the most momentous decisions of his life. Post-war Yugoslavia held few opportunities for a young, ambitious, entrepreneurial man. Dinko made the decision to leave Yugoslavia and seek a new beginning abroad. To do that, he had to escape across the border into Austria. Under the night sky, he climbed across the Alps into Austria and was placed in a refuge camp. Soon after his escape, he sent a message to Metoda, who was now working in Piran, in the hope that she would join him in Austria. Metoda followed her heart, left behind her family and friends, and joined Dinko there. Dinko and Metoda married in Austria and embarked on a journey that would bring them to Canada. They arrived with a small suitcase and a change of underwear. Here they started their new life together, supported each other through the challenges of creating a new life in a new land, began their family, and made many cherished friends.

Dinko’s formal education was cut short during WWII, but his thirst for learning would last his entire life. He quickly had to learn a new language and a new culture to be able to survive. After several years he trained to become a machinist and soon thereafter began working for Wilson Machine Company. He continued to study the craft and metallurgy, which fascinated him. From machinist he was promoted to foreman, and then he became the production manager. He was a dedicated employee of Wilson Machine company for close to 45 years. His work there and the friendships he made during those years were to be one of the greatest sources of joy in his life.

Dinko loved history and languages. He could recite historical dates and locations, their importance, and how they shaped today’s current events. Dinko was a gregarious individual. He was a loyal and trusted friend, throwing many parties at his home in Laval. He loved to recount the stories of his childhood and his youth. Those who knew him, talk of the stories he told and of his love for storytelling. Dinko led a long life, complete with challenges not many of us have known, the courage to face them head-on and succeed. He lived a life filled with love given generously. That young girl who caught his eye and left with him for parts unknown was the love of his life. Throughout her illness, he cared for her everyday with the utmost devotion. His daughter, Irena, and his granddaughters were the on-going joy that he held onto, even until his last few days. The dedication to family that Dinko learned from his mother is his legacy to his daughter and granddaughters. We were all by his side when he left us. He is in our hearts. We love him and honour the beautiful man that he was. He was love. He was larger than life.

We extend our most heartfelt thanks to the nurses, doctors, and staff of the fifth floor Critical Care Unit at the Ottawa General Hospital. We are so grateful for their excellent care, compassion, kindness, and for the dignity with which they treated our most beloved Dinko.

Family and friends are invited to the visitation on Friday, April 19, from 6 pm to 8 pm, at Pinecrest Remembrance, 2500 Baseline Road, Ottawa, ON K2C 3H9. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 20, at 11:00 am, at the Holy Spirit Catholic Parish, 1489 Shea Rd. Ottawa, ON K2S 0G8. For those wishing to make a donation, a “Gift in Memory” to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.