Obituary of Zdravko SIMONOVIC

SIMONOVIC, Zdravko February 13, 1932 -Vinkovci, Jugoslavia October 29, 2016 – Calgary, Alberta Zdravko, beloved husband of Mirjana Simonovic of Calgary, AB, passed away on October 29, 2016 at the age of 84 years. He was a proud Serbian, born near Vinkovci, and was one of seven children. He escaped from Jugoslavia in the 1960’s to Italy, and eventually moved to Nice, France where he met his wife Mirjana. Together they had a daughter, and immigrated to Canada in 1974. Zdravko was trained as a chef in France, but he was an entrepreneur at heart, and launched successful restaurants in Okotoks, Calgary, Claresholm and Carlsbad, California. Nothing made him happier than to cook for people and see their joy in something he created. He made a point of touring the tables after each lunch or dinner service to personally greet each guest and ensure they were happy with their food and experience. He was known for his Chateaubriand, Lobster Thermidor and decadent desserts, and his restaurants became a place to go to celebrate a special occasion. He regularly put in 14-16 hour days to run their restaurants and even received a top ten write-up in Fodor’s Canada travel guides. He was a loving and devote brother, husband, father, grandfather, and a supportive friend to many in his Serbian Orthodox community. He loved a good joke that he could pass along, fishing, taking photographs, watching soccer and boxing and his hero was Nikola Tesla. He had a sweet and kind heart, always willing to give his time and effort to family and friends. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at CALGARY CREMATORIUM CHAPEL, 3219 – 4th Street N.W., (within the valley of Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Thursday, November 3, 2016 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at CALGARY CREMATORIUM CHAPEL, 3219 – 4th Street N.W., (within the valley of Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Friday, November 4, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery.