John Bobaljik, Life Member
November 16, 1937 — May 1, 2024
In loving memory of John, who passed away peacefully in Kanata, Ontario.
Born in Sudbury to Nikola (Nick) Bobaljik and Julijana (Julia) née Škrpan, both originally from Sremska Mitrovica, Yugoslavia, he grew up on the family farm in Tecumseh (Windsor), Ontario with his siblings Helen and Steve (and the memory of their sister Mary).
John proudly graduated from McGill University where he received a Bachelor’s in Architecture in 1966 and was a member of Delta Upsilon fraternity. After graduating, he practiced initially at Johnson & McWhinnie in Windsor and then in Toronto, most prominently as a founding partner at Miller Bobaljik Peel Architects. He was proud of his many achievements including award-winning projects. He was named a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada in 1988, and towards the end of his career served as the Practice Advisor for the Ontario Association of Architects, where he received the G. Randy Roberts Service Award in 2008. In addition to many projects in Windsor and Toronto, he worked for a time in Bedford, Texas, and while based in Toronto contributed to projects nationally (Expo 86 in Vancouver) and internationally (including Morocco and Dubai).
Beyond his professional achievements, John had a remarkable gift for bringing joy to others. Whether through his quick wit, his captivating stories, or his infamous email chain of jokes, he had a knack for making people smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impression on all who crossed his path.
When he wasn’t working, he loved spending time enjoying the tranquility of the cottage he designed near Minden, Ontario. Later in life, he was devoted to his three grandchildren who brought him immeasurable joy.
He is survived by his wife Nancy (née Hankin), children Jonathan David (Susi Wurmbrand) and Christine (Rick Billie), and grandchildren Leo, Sarah and Julia, as well as many nieces and nephews and extended family.
In lieu of flowers, donations could kindly be made to Alzheimer Society of Canada or another charity.