Marius (Mario) Joseph Basic

Marius (Mario) Joseph Basic
(Sept. 8 1939 –Jan. 29, 2022)
Marius had a life-long passion for soccer and hockey. His affinity for soccerbegan as a young boy in Croatia. After his family immigrated, he and his brothers learned to play hockey,in the typically Canadian way, on frozen ponds using loaned skates and sticks.
For over 4 decades, he was active in the Darlington Soccer League: as an athlete, event organizer, volunteer, league director and coach (Orono). As a fan, he and “Mr. Soccer” Gord Lowery often took road trips to take in a match.
He started his career in the Canadian Armed Forces, 1st Battalion Canadian Guards, serving in peacekeeping tours in Germany and Cyprus. A highlight, and demonstration of his trademark determination, was a successful completion in the 160 km International Four Days Marches Nijmegen (Netherlands) with the 1961 CAF Team.Later, he became a Police Officer and served withthe Durham Regional Police Service for 28 years.
He had an inquisitive mind and fascination for history. He was known to read a road map like a novel and had an encyclopedic memory of southern Ontario. He was proud to be Canadian and of his Croatian heritage, and loved Scottish traditions like the bagpipes. He had a fondness for his brothers and enjoyed a good debate. His grandson had a special place in his heart and he enjoyed encouraging his athletics.
He will be greatly missed by daughters Tina and Marni (Brian) Steele, former wife Kathleen, brother John, and grandson Grayson. Predeceased by parents Milena (nee Baricevic) and Ivan, and brothers Anthony and Danny (Daniel).
Special thank you to the staff at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre. In lieu of flowers, support your local soccer club, local Legion or make a donation to Toronto Western Hospital braincampaign.ca.
Memorial to be held at a future date.