Vincent Mladenko BLASKOVICH

1931 - 2017

BORN

1931

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

First Memorial Funeral Services - Kelowna

1211 Sutherland Ave

Kelowna, British Columbia

Vincent BLASKOVICH Obituary

BLASKOVICH, Vincent Mladenko: January 1, 1931 - March 13, 2017. Born a Kiwi, became a proud Canadian. With profound sorrow the family of Vincent Blaskovich shares the news of his death at Central Okanagan Hospice House in Kelowna in his 86th year. Vincent is dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Pamela; daughter Christina; son Mark and daughter-in-law Celia; grandchildren Griffin, Quinlan and Thea; extended family in England, Australia, and New Zealand and a great many special friends and former colleagues. Vincent was predeceased by his parents Matilda and Toma; Sister Mary; and Brother Anthony. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Vincent was raised in a vibrant Croatian community. Vincent's scholastic achievements and his taste for travel and adventure led him to teaching posts in New Zealand, England and Sweden. After Marrying his "English Rose" he travelled to Canada in 1958, taking position in Hamilton, Ontario for a year. Vincent then moved to the Okanagan living first in Winfield, where he and Pamela were among the first staff members of the fledging George Elliot Secondary School, and finally settling in Okanagan Mission. From his years as a mischievous altar boy to his role as a founding member of St. Charles Garnier Parish Vincent has been a devoted member of his faith community. Vincent was a dedicated educator; his years of service, leadership and mentoring as teacher, principal and superintendent had a lasting impact in SD#23 and the Diocese of Nelson. He was especially proud of his tenure at K.L.O Secondary School; he was the school's first principal and established K.L.O as an academic, arts and sports force in the district. Vincent had a lifelong interest in sports, excelling in rowing and rugby at the university level (and later challenging one and all to a game on the squash court!). Although harboring a soft spot for Detroit he would be thrilled with the progress of the Canadian contenders for this year's Stanley Cup. Vincent was forever grateful for the opportunities that Canada offered to his family, for a long life in this beautiful part of the world, in particular, the sanctuary provided by his beloved "Whispering Winds." In respecting Vincent's wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family service and interment was held Easter Monday at St. Andrew's Heritage Church in Okanagan Mission. A Celebration of Vincent's life will be announced at a later date. "Teach me your mood, O patient stars! Who climb each night the ancient sky, Leaving on space no shade, no scars, No trace of age, no fear to die." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson. Those wishing to remember Vincent are invited to make donations to the Saint Vincent de Paul Conference, c/o St. Charles garnier Church, 3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC or any cause that advances opportunities for education. The family invites you to join them at a Celebration of Life for Vincent Blaskovich at St. Andrews Church Hall on June 8, 2017 from 2pm-5pm., 4619 lakeshore Road, Kelowna, BC. Please contact Jennifer at First Memorial Funeral Services to RSVP, 250-762-2299. Condolences for the family can be sent to www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

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Published by Okanagan Valley Newspaper Group on Apr. 29, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Vincent BLASKOVICH

Sponsored by First Memorial Funeral Services - Kelowna.

2 Entries

Rolly Hein

June 6, 2017

To the family and friends of Vince Blaskovich
Teachers affect eternity; Vince and Pam were both my favorite teachers and probably never knew where their influence stopped or if it ever did. So many of us have vivid memories of some teachers that stick with us years later. We might not always remember that the hypotenuse of a right angle triangle is equal to the square of the opposite two sides, but we remember the way a good teacher inspired us and influenced us. We remember the time they spent preparing us so we could earn a living and the way they shaped our lives so we too could marry and earn enough to raise children.
My deepest sympathy to the Blaskovich family. I was a student of your Mom and Dad back in the fifties and sixties. Vince was the greatest teacher I ever had. He had a passion for the students that shined brightly and made you want to be the best student you could be. I also remember the hundreds of hours he spent hauling me around the Okanagan to compete in speaking and debating contests as he recognized I wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer so he helped me develop a speaking style and gave me confidence that I could earn a living and raise a family . He was certainly a special person. He was eminently fair, honest to the point of bluntness, ever helpful, but would brook no nonsense that would disrupt his classroom routine. Vince was a teacher who taught from the heart. He made you believe that you were important and gave you the confidence every day to believe in yourself. As he would remind us, the door swings both ways' and I am a better person for having known him. I felt successful and accomplished because of his support and confidence in me. He was a brilliant teacher and I look back in gratitude because he changed me. May God bless and keep you in peace as you mourn your loss. Your Dad and Mom will always hold a special place in my heart even though a piece of it is now missing.
With love, Rolly Hein

May 1, 2017

Hello Pamela,
So sorry to hear the news.We have fond memories of Vince.
Regards, Jim and Sheena Menzies [email protected]

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