Tomo Kekich

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Beloved husband of 63 years to Jela Kekich; loving father to Ron (Paula Quinn) Kekich, Gord Kekich, and Valerie (Ryan) McKeeman, and devoted Grandfather or “Gedo” to Jacqueline & William Kekich. Tomo passed away at Dom Lipa Nursing Home on October 19, 2024, at the age of 87 years. 

He is remembered and loved by his brother Ilija (Danica) Kekich of B.C., sister Dragica (Dusan) Jelavic of Sarnia, and sister-in-law Danica Kekich of Zagreb, Croatia. He was predeceased by his parents Nikola and Mara (nee Ceic) Kekich, his brother Petar Kekich of Zagreb Croatia, and his three step-siblings Niko (Draga) Kekich, Janko (Anna) Kekich, and Mare (Nedjeljko) Bilic. Tomo is already missed by his many nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends, and former work colleagues and clients. 

Tomo was born in Tomasevci, Croatia where his early childhood years were spent working long hours tending to the family farm on the hillsides of Zumberak. This is where he developed the tireless work ethic he exemplified throughout his life. 

In 1961, he headed to Germany where he worked in the construction industry for 6 years before he and Jela earned enough money to emigrate to Toronto in 1967. They packed all their worldly belongings into a couple of suitcases in the hopes of starting a better life in Canada. Eventually, their dreams were realized as they became proud Canadian citizens. 

Tomo’s early days in Canada were spent working with his dear predeceased friend Pero Popovich, building reinforced concrete bridges in Northern Ontario. Eventually, Tomo wanted to apply his entrepreneurial skills, by going out on his own. From humble beginnings, he started a small cleaning business which evolved and grew into a successful and reputable caulking contracting company, which continues to operate today as a second-generation family business. 

It was difficult to get Tomo to retire. He was still seen walking the construction sites well into his seventies ensuring his crews were performing at their best and providing clients with, as he put it, an “A1 quality job”. 

As hard as it may be to imagine, Tomo did find time to relax. One of his favorite pastimes was to spend summer weekends with his family, relatives and friends at his trailer in beloved Zumberak Park, near Erin Ontario. This is where Tom and other Croatian Canadians would gather for weekend picnics and barbecues, have a few drinks, swap stories from their younger days and partake in spirited games of Bocce. 

In life, Tom cherished the simple pleasures that his years brought, and while we mourn his loss, we take comfort knowing that he lived a fulfilling life where working and sharing quality time with his family and friends brought him so much joy and a quiet satisfaction. 

Tom’s family would like to thank the caring team at Dom Lipa for their support in his final days. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rossy PSP Centre Fund https://www.uhn.ca/Krembil/Rossy-PSP-Centre 

We are providing the opportunity to watch the funeral from the comfort of your home - Click here to watch

Donations to the The Rossy Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Centre - Click here to donate.