We Remember
GRBAVAC, Dennis
July 19, 1977 — November 25, 2022
While surrounded by family, Dennis Grbavac (45) passed away peacefully in the tender care of Kelowna General Hospital.
Dennis is survived by his loving wife Erin; father Milenko (Stanka); brother Josip (Megha) and sister Tonka; stepdad George (Linda); uncle Mark; father-in-law Marty (Joanne); brother-in-law Michael (Tiffany); niece Maggie and nephew Ben; and his cats Mouse and Fig.
Dennis was known for his jovial and generous nature, always wanting to lend a hand to anyone in need, no matter their circumstances. And, he was always up for a great debate. His contagious laugh is greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
This isn’t “Goodbye”, it’s simply “See you later.”
——-
Flowers may be sent to Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. Memorial donations may be sent to the Central Okanagan Food Bank, cofoodbank.com, or to the local food bank of your choice.
Reflection will occur at 9:00AM; a Funeral Service with Pastor Josh Smith officiating will be held on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER, 30, 2022, at 10:00 AM (PST), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME (2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC);a Reception will follow. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service. A recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
Dennis will be laid to rest at the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery at 1:30 pm following the Reception.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM:
Service
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER, 30, 2022, at 10:00 AM (PST)
Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME
I was deeply saddened to hear of your husbands passing, Erin. Sending my deepest sympathy and caring wishes to you and your family. Wishing you courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold in your heart forever. ❤️
Erin, I am so sorry to hear about Dennis. Just know that I am think about you at this time and you and your family have my deepest sympathies.
I’ve been blessed to have Dennis as my sweet and dear cousin. Even though we’ve lived many provinces away from each other and have limited memories together, I feel strongly a need to share these memories and blessings with Erin and all those who loved Dennis.
My childhood memories are not vivid though I do remember a sweet, shy, blond haired and blue eyed little boy that looked like the sweetest little angel. Dennis moved away at a young age and our 9 year age gap kept us from having much in common at that time in our lives. I was reunited with Dennis when he came back to Toronto for his wedding to Erin. This was such a special and joyful time for Dennis’s family and relatives. Milenko, Stanka, Tonka and Josip were so overjoyed and so proud of Dennis. They spoke so highly of Erin and expressed how much they loved her. I remember meeting Erin on their wedding day and instantly thinking how absolutely stunning she was! I remember Erin’s sparkling eyes and beautiful smile, her most obvious glow to all who saw her which radiated her love and joy that Dennis was now her husband! I remember Dennis’s joy, smile and laughter on their wedding day. He celebrated with his whole heart and the way he carried himself reflecting a deep love for Erin. Dennis truly found himself a beautiful angel and he knew it. A blond, blue eyed angel just like he was. They were the perfect couple ! At risk of sounding cliche, I must truly say I believe they were “a match made in Heaven” ! I was honored and blessed to be a part of their wedding day and celebration of their new life together. There is another occasion which I feel strongly to mention. It was at the time Dennis was recovering from his very serious and life threatening trucking accident. I choose this memory not to bring up painful memories for Erin and the family but to speak of Dennis and what he chose to expose to me of himself and of his heart in his time of great hardship. I had called Dennis over the phone to express my well wishes for his recovery. I let him know that I was praying for him and would continue to do so. I spoke of God and Jesus and that we must trust in God and His plan for us. I expressed my love for God and that I believed everything in this world was in God’s Devine Order. I guess one could say I was preaching in my own way and trying to bring comfort to Dennis through faith and love of God. After I spoke Dennis had much to say. I was so wonderfully blessed to hear the words he spoke. He spoke passionate words of praise for God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. He professed an unconditional love for God and Jesus no matter how many hardships would come his way. He spoke of Erin and his love for her and that she was his greatest blessing. Dennis wasn’t angry or feeling sorry for himself but instead was accepting of whatever God’s plan was for him. I can truly say that I remember a very warm and comforting feeling come over me while listening to Dennis praise God and giving thanks for all of his blessings. By the end of our conversation I found Dennis comforting me and assuring me he would be ok and for me not to worry. He was in much physical pain but was more concerned that I not worry. How ironic as my original intention was to bring hope and comfort to Dennis and in turn he did that for me. It’s been a countless number of times that I have paused and reflected on this memory especially in the last few days. It has brought me to the realization and understanding that Dennis was truly happy in his life and was at peace. It was proof that the Holy Spirit was dwelling in his heart and soul. The memories I share are small in number though large in impact. Dennis has given me a great gift and I will forever be grateful for it. He made himself the example and showed me what it is like to truly live your faith.
Dear cousin Erin, my deepest and sincerest condolences. Your love and shining light that was with you here on earth is now your shining star that shines on you from the Heavens above. Erin and family please take comfort throughout your grieving and sorrow knowing that Dennis has now seen the face of God. Who ever has know Dennis has been blessed. All Praise Be To God !
Sending our love to Erin and family,
Sonja and Skoko Family
Our Sincere and Heartfelt Condolences to Grbavac Family. May God give you all strength to bear his loss. May Dennis Rest in Peace 🙏🙏
Erin, my deepest sympathies to you and your family on the loss of your loving husband Dennis. The service was lovely and I truly admire your strength in delivering the eulogy. I hope the good times you shared bring you comfort. Our thoughts are with you.