Obituary of Andrija Ratković

Andy Ratković

The family of Andy (Andrija) Ratković, of Halifax, Nova Scotia, is saddened to announce his passing on May 16, 2025 at the age of 84 years. Andy was born in Zadar, Croatia on November 18, 1940 to Antonio and Marija (nee Stepanov) Ratković.

He immigrated to Canada at 20 yrs of age, escaping former communist Yugoslavia by way of Trieste, Italy landing at the port of Halifax on board the Italian ocean liner MS Vulcania. He was then sent by train to settle in Regina, Sask., where he made his home for much of his life.

He was predeceased by his wife of 39 years, Gloria (nee Lavallee) his parents, and his younger brother, Nikola.

He is survived by his two children, Mark (Sylvia Schultz) of Red Deer, AB, and Susan (Troy Mutch) of Lake Cowichan, BC, his grandchildren Carter, Chase, Cameron, Logan and Emily, his siblings Zvonko (Marlene), Tatiana Jakú (Tom), Tiberio(Qiqi) and cherished nieces and nephews Earnest, Alfred, Chesko, Gina, Greg, Natasha, Emmanuel and Anthony, and long time friend, Mike Ilijevski.

Andy started out in the trades as a bricklayer and logger, but spent much of his life as a hard working house painter. His painting expertise was admired far and wide, and he taught many family members this trade. Andy’s work brought the family to B.C., Alberta, but always back to Saskatchewan. In 1979, Andy and Gloria moved their family to Zadar, Croatia, an attempt for Andy to recapture a sense of returning to his homeland, but he soon realized that Canada would always be home.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, and will be communicated at that time. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home.