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Zdravko Divjak Obituary
He is survived by his wife, Aya Divjak of Poway; his father, Zdravko Divjak (and wife Sharon) of Poway; his mother, Naomi Marshall (and husband Greg) of Bellingham, WA; a sister, Tatijana Divjak of San Diego; three brothers, Ivan Divjak, Andrew Divjak and David Divjak all of Poway; grandmothers, Rena Chernick of VT, and Marija Divjak of Croatia; aunts, Zlata Kolarek and Martina Kolarek of Croatia, aunt Abbie Saad of NJ; an uncle, Marc Chernick of MD; and a cousin, Omar Saad of NJ.
A memorial service celebrating Z's life will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. at Maranatha Chapel located at 10752 Coastwood Road in San Diego. A reception will follow the memorial service at the family residence in Poway. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made in Zdravko's name to the Andrew Warshaw Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute. Checks may be made payable to the MA General Hospital and mailed to Brandt Henderson MA General Hospital, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA 02114. Arrangements are by Poway-Bernardo Mortuary.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Zdravko Divjak
Pamela Acosta Marquardt
August 4, 2009
Dear Divjak family:
While I did not have the honor of knowing "Z", I wanted to express, not only our deepest sympathy for your family's loss, but our sincerest gratitude for the support and hope that you have given to the pancreatic cancer community. On behalf of all of us who have been touched by this devastasting disease, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Pamela Acosta Marquardt
FOUNDER
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
www.pancan.org
Tatjana Tucelj-Caputo
July 18, 2009
I only new "Z" as a baby when he came to visit his grandparents in Zagreb and we called him "mali Z". I had the privilege of knowing or meeting all three "Z"-s and even though I didn't know the man this baby grew up to be , I have no doubt he was as remarkable of a person as Z1 and Z2 .I can still see him in my Mother's arms, happily kicking around, smiling at her and eagerly sucking on his Fred Flint-stone baby bottle. As a parent , I can't even imagine the grief of his parents and other relatives and friends. May God bless you all and may you find comfort and strength to enjoy the life ahead of you without him in it. Pocivaj u miru Bozjem.
June 22, 2009
Divjak Family
We extend our most heartfelt sympathy to you. I knew "Z" back in 2005 in Singapore. We gonna miss him dearly. Please extend our condolences to Aya Divjak as well.
David Lee
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Michael & Paula Laing
May 24, 2009
RIP Z, I also met Z at a Laings' family reunion in Jamaica. My cousins were late picking him up at the Airport and Z did not have the patience to wait for them. So he got on a bus and made it to the resort the family was staying. This was in August of 1999. In 2006, I witnessed Z swimming across the blue lagoon (considered one of the deepest rivers in Jamaica - the water is blue because it is so deep). Z is one heck of a guy. I could go on and on. My condolences to the Divjak family, his entire family (love ones).
May 3, 2009
I met Z at one of our family reunion here in Jamaica as one of Aunty Cleo's new son,I was like, mmmm, ok then.I was only with them
for a day but at the end I felt like dis bredda was in di family long time.Z was a blessed youth and touched the hearts of many. Condolence to cousin Ivan and the family of 'Z', May the Lord shine his light upon you in your time grief. Nuff Luv.
Omar Ferguson (Portmore,Jamaica)
Dean Smith and Lou Murrin
April 29, 2009
Naomi, Tatijana, Ivan and Andrew,
Both Lou and I are sadden to hear this news. I can still picture how Z would brighten any presence when he entered the room.. and the grin plastered on his face and the laugh. I remember the look on your faces when you shared with us his first visit to Boston. and my words that he would triumph through much adversity and bring something special to world. By reading some of the messages here. I think he accomplished what he said he would do... though we mourn his passing - he lives on as an inspiration of what life should be... Blessed Be
Milton & Tracy Laing
April 29, 2009
I first met "Z" at a family reunion after I had recently gotten engaged. He too, being a part of the Laing family(Aunty Cleo's son) welcomed me with open arms. "Z" was such a beautiful person. His warmth, smile, and spirit was infectious. My last and fondest memories of him were seeing the pictures of him swim across the deep blue lagoon when he came to our wedding in Jamaica. He was such a fun, lovable guy! "Z" has placed his beautiful stamp on this world and will truly be missed. Our deepest condolences go out to Ivan and the rest of the Divjak family.
Kayla Sarvis
April 28, 2009
I first met Z at Poway High when i joined the "Grappelettes Club". he was a true sweet heart and a great inspiration to those that knew him. At least we know that he is safe and at rest in God's arms now. my sympathy and prayers go out to his family. Rest Easy Big Guy...
Nathalee Laing
April 27, 2009
What can I say, Z was a pretty amazing guy. Like my aunt said he has been close to the Laing family for so many years, we consider him an honarary Laing. We are going to miss him terrible. My prayers go out to the Divak family.
Lorna Laing-Hope
April 26, 2009
Z and his family has been part of my sister Cleo's life for many years. In our family he is considered one of "us". On our trips to Jamaica he just fit right in as if he was born there. He was truely a well-rounded person and a gift from God and will be missed terribly. My love and prayers to the Divjak family.
Ian Hastie
April 25, 2009
Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of your son Z3. We will remember Z3 for his enthusiasm and desire to experience life and explore the world. Our thoughts are with the Divjak Family.
Bradley LaPlante
April 24, 2009
I will always remember "Z" as a great Teammate when we Wrestled Together at Poway High, he was an outstanding athlete and champion. I remember when he first got his driver's license he picked me up in his Ford Taurus and we cruised all over listening to Pantera, his favorite band. Then we drove to Lake Havasu one weekend to go camping, the whole time the odometer was pegged, we couldn't believe that car made it. We had so much fun. God Bless Divjak Family.
Christina Breneman Meeks
April 24, 2009
Z was an amazing guy who always wore a friendly smile. He will be greatly missed. May the hearts of his family & friends be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as we celebrate a life well lived.
Blair Barker
April 24, 2009
Z is an amazing human being who touch those who crossed paths with him. An Extraordinary person who love to watch Baseball games and master the official scorekeeper's status. Thank you Z for everything, you are missed dearly brother,
My prayers and thoughts our with Ivan and the Divjak family.
Justin & Meagan Walls
April 23, 2009
Our prayers are with Ivan and the rest of the Divjak family. Z was an extraordinary person and will be deeply missed. We feel very lucky to have known him.
Miriam&Zane Katz
April 23, 2009
We are saddened to hear of "Z" passing. He was so very special.
Lee Wilkerson
April 23, 2009
Dear Divjak Family,
I was very saddened to hear of your loss. I first met Z when he was a freshman on the wrestling team at Rancho Bernardo High School. Not only was he a great wrestler, but he was a very, very cool guy. He will be missed.
Ray & Crystal Read
April 23, 2009
In loving memory of "Z" a beautiful person. You will be loved and missed always.
Jon Melot
April 23, 2009
What an unfortunate loss. My prayers are certianly with your family.
I remember meeting Z when he wrestled at PHS and as a sophomore I looked up to his skills, his discipline, and his leadership. What a comfort for me to know of his relationship with Christ. My deepest sympathies belong to those who were close to him and his family.
Blessings to all of you.
Samm Porter
April 23, 2009
Zdravko Family,
May God continue to be with you doing this time. As you look back at the joys that ZIII brought to to many people, the lives he touched. ZIII was very humble and I admired that about him. I will also remember him.
God bless
Justin Seleska
April 23, 2009
Condolences to the Divjak Family,
Your son, family member and a fellow employee to me was a great person and even through the trying times of his life he always kept his head up and did not let it stand in the way of him living his life.
"I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith."
Rev'd CC Schroeder
April 23, 2009
Dear Divjak family,
Zdravko's name has been added to our prayers for the deceased here in at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in NC. I went to high school with Z and deeply admired his courage and humility when he became ill. I would like to share with you a prayer from the Episcopal Burial service:
"O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our brother Z. We thank you for giving him to us, his family and friends, to know and to love as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidance we may continue our course on earth, unitl, by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone beore us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Richard Brant
April 23, 2009
My deepest sympathies for Ivan and the Divjak family. Rest in Peace Z.
Cindy Downey
April 22, 2009
"God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered "come to me." With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best."
April 22, 2009
Divjak family
I am so very sorry for your loss. I met Z when he was still in high school . He was such a wonderful person. He was always thoughtful, sincere and a real charmer. His smile was so beautiful and came from his heart. He was truly blessed and will be missed greatly.I am honored to have known him.
Alice Bradway
San Diego, Ca
Jessica Pinczewski
April 22, 2009
Z was an amazing friend, a warm, supportive, fun and honest person. He will always be in my heart and truly missed. My deepest condolences to the Divjak family.
Bill and Valerie Belong
April 22, 2009
Divjak Family,
"Z" was a wonderful example of someone who "walked the walk" for Christ. He was a good friend to all and we were blessed by his friendship with our son at PHS and after. Although our hearts ache with you, may you all be comforted in knowing that "Z" touched many lives for our Lord. Please know he will sorely be missed by those who knew and loved him, but his smile and integrity will not be forgotten. Thank you for raising and sharing a beautiful son with us and many others.
God Bless,
Simma Petlock
April 22, 2009
There is no bond as great as that of a parent & child. My deepest condolences are with you
Adela Mendez
April 22, 2009
Zdravko Family,
My heart goes to you in your time of sorrow.
The memory of him will be always in my heart. ZIII was an inspiration for me. He fought to the end like a real hero and what amazed me of him were his kindness and the understanding for others. I’m so thankful to have known such a wonderful person.
God Bless you all
Adela Mendez & Family
Simma Petlock
April 22, 2009
No bond is as great as that of a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you.
John Tanacio
April 22, 2009
My deepest condolences to Ivan and the Divjak family. Rest easy Z.
April 22, 2009
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
April 22, 2009
My condolence goes out to Divjak Family. Z will be missed and remembered
April 22, 2009
Divjak Family, we extend our most heartfelt sympathy to you. Z was a wonderful young man who graduated Poway High along with our daughter Jessica. He shared holidays with us and brightened our home with his presence. He will be sincerely missed.
Sol and Ellen Pinczewski
Dennis Francisco
April 22, 2009
"Z" was great co-worker and friend. He will surely be missed by all of us.
Jenny Coupe
April 22, 2009
I first met Z at Brown during the spring of 2002. Some of my greatest memories at Brown are with Z. He was a true gentleman...and an inspiration. I will cherish our memories, his spirit and our friendship. I am grateful to have been a part of Z's life. My prayers continue to be with his family and friends. God Bless.
Robyn Paine-Jackson
April 22, 2009
Divjak Family,
My prayers are with your family during this time. "Z" was truly a light in this world, and he will be missed terribly. I feel blessed to have known him.
Our comfort comes in knowing he is with the Lord.
May He Bless you,
Robyn Paine-Jackson
Troy Pearson
April 22, 2009
I met "Z" through wrestling at Poway High School. He had graduated and came back to Poway to help coach. He also often led bible studies at his home. He was a very positive influence and very inspirational. I remember Z as somebody who truly loved life, and there was not a negative bone in his body. He had an infectious smile and will be missed dearly.
Jacalyn Dolani
April 22, 2009
My prayers are with your family.
Shawn Haymes
April 22, 2009
Z,Ivan, Tatijana and Family,
My deepest condolences.My heart is full of hugs and smiles when I think of "Z".
You raised a wonderful Man. He will be truely missed.Thank you for sharing him with us.
God Bless.
Shawn Haymes
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