Walter A. Rasic

1932 - 2014 Walter A. Rasic, known to many as "Vlado," died in peace at his beloved home in Palm Springs, California on Friday, January 24th, 2014. He was 81 years old. Walter was born Vladimir A Rasic in 1932 in Dole, Hercegovina to Ante and Milka Rasic. One of 7 children, Walter survived the passing of his father Ante when he was a young child. Walter, a devout Croatian patriot, escaped the communists of Yugoslavia by walking across Europe and made a temporary home at a refugee camp in Germany. Over the course of 3 years he worked in the construction trade for a German pipeline contractor. Walter's Aunt and Uncle, Eva and Nikola Rasic, sponsored his journey from Germany to a blessing on earth in America. Walter was welcomed to the City of Angels in 1961 by Nikola and Eva and their children; Walter, John, Pete and Nick Rasic. (Thank you for all your support of our Dad). In America, Walter went to work in the construction trade doing pipeline work. He also took on numerous 2nd jobs including dishwashing and working at Dodger stadium. As a result, later in life the Dodgers became a source of tremendous passion and enjoyment, as well as occasional yelling at the television. Walter and Zlata were married in 1967 in Vitina, Hercegovina. They settled in downtown Los Angeles and began a life together. This included a struggling pipeline business and 3 sons, all of which became the purpose of their lives. They were wonderful parents and Walter was a kind and gentle soul to his children, despite not having his own father and an impoverished childhood. Walter was involved in the Croatian community supporting the identity of the Croatian people in Los Angeles including the Croatian organization Udruga, the Croatian Soccer Club of Los Angeles, and the United Hercegovina Catholic Benevolent Society, which he was the President of for many years. Through his philanthropic efforts at the Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church & Retreat Center, the Sierra Madre grounds became a home for the annual Croatian Catholic Church picnic as well as the annual Hercegovina Benevolent Society picnic. Walter's work in the pipeline construction industry spanned 43 years. His Company, W.A. Rasic Construction, which in many ways became his identity, became a Top 600 Contractor in the nation and a major contributor to the industry that Walter so loved. What started in the living room of their home became a tremendous source of pride and satisfaction for Walter. Along with his 400 employees, including his 3 sons, his vision for a new life in America was achieved. Walter will always be grateful to the men and women of W.A. Rasic Construction and for their contribution to an industry that he so loved. Walter loved America and the opportunities it provided, and he longed and fought for an independent Croatian nation. He loved and supported his families in America and in Europe. Walter is survived by his wife of 47 years Zlata, his 3 sons, his daughter in laws, 6 grand children, 3 siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews. Walter was a good man and a loving soul. He will be dearly missed.