Slavko was born in his grandparents’ hut atop a hill in the village of Tomašica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Yugoslavia, Slavko spent his early years in Bosnia and Croatia. He began playing his accordion and singing at weddings and events as a young boy. As Yugoslavia tore apart, Slavko left friends and memories behind in 1992, spending a few months in a refugee camp in Austria where he married his first wife Snezana (Krndija).  Soon he began a new life in Edmonton, Canada, where he completed a telecommunications diploma and journeyman certification, separated with his wife, and helped his parents come to Canada. For over ten years Slavko worked at TELUS, most recently as an engineering technologist.

He continued to share his musical joy and talents on the stage, moving people to dance and sing at hundreds of community celebrations with his band “Haydamaky” and many others. He met Sylvia while working at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, and soon after they married and started a beautiful family. He delighted in his three wonderful children and was an amazing father.

Slavko was proud of his Ukrainian heritage and inspired his children to learn the language, music and culture. He loved good music, good wine, good art, and good friendships. He enjoyed travelling, especially the annual winter trips to tropical destinations and family “Lepkiada” reunions. Slavko also brought joys to everyone he worked with. He tried to help everyone he worked with. He encouraged others and lifted them up with his humor when they needed. We will miss Slavko’s quirky sense of humour, entertaining character, musical talents, and above all his good heart.

Like Slavko always supported each one of us, it is time for us to support his family now, to show how much we appreciated him, to show his kids their Dad is a great person who will be remembered by many. The money will be used to support the family and support the charity of the family choice