This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Zarko Draganic, born on October 1, 1966 and passed away on March 6, 2014. We will remember him forever. Please share your thoughts and stories here.
Tributes
Leave a tributeI'll hold my memories close of a very special man.
Zarko was much admired and loved by us as an outstanding competitive sailor and true friend. He was a most instrumental supporter of our Club's Canada's Cup legacy by competing in Canada Cup Race championships in 2001 along with Hank Lammens.
For those who are not aware, the Canada's Cup is symbolic of Grand Prix racing supremacy on the Great Lakes.
He was made an honourary member of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club and was most deserving in this honour.. His presence at our Club was a most wonderful one for all those who met and competed with him.
May the fair winds of heaven be with him always .
With Deep Sincerity,
Commodore David Matheson,
Royal Canadian Yacht Club
Nellie, all that makes Zarko so precious lives on in you and your family.
www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2014/03/10/eight-bells-zarko-draganic/
One unique memory I have of Zarko was his fondness for Canada which I discovered when in 1995 when I had not been in contact in a few years and he called me in Vancouver because he couldn’t get enough real time information about Quebec’s separation referendum. I distinctly remember how he was so happy to hear that Canada would stay together.
Mostly I remember the accomplished young man, so full of potential, who had already achieved so much while the rest of us were just beginning our journey. I remember a gentle, forgiving soul, and fun travel companion.
Zarko, the world will be a dimmer and less interesting place in your absence. You will be sorely missed.
I can just imagine you now blasting down the Autostrada (in your EV) towards a beautiful Italian harbor to meet some magnificent yacht filled with your devoted friends and your myriad fans. Zarko, you touched so many lives in so many fascinating ways and we will miss our adventures with you. Goodbye, my friend.
Nellie, Vivi and Sam - The Bardwicks are sending you love and strength. There are many here to support you.
Zarko was the Canadian Yugoslav American wannabe kid who would come to my cube at Apple and say "Pizza?" all the time as an intern. He made a HUGE impression on me. He was a brilliant, happy, wonderful young man, and I have thought of him many times over the decades since I last saw him.
The world - and I - will miss you sorely, Zarko.
Thanks for the gift, Z, you'll be missed.
It's been too long since I last got together with Zarko - a huge mistake, in hindsight - but I think about him on a surprisingly frequent basis. I've never met anyone else like him, with that energy, curiosity, dedication, raw, innovative capability, and ability to come out with something brilliant while beaming behind that massive, almost goofy smile. I'll never see him again, but he continues to inspire me.
At Waterloo, the classic story was how he adjusted an oscilloscope to trace an infinity symbol, much to the surprise and amazement of the lab instructor and other students. I'll also never forget him standing at General Magic with a fistful of gear and wires, rattling off a stream of great ideas that would take years and a couple of generations of mobile to come to fruition. Just an amazing guy.
We and the world are poorer with Zarko gone, but richer for him having crossed our paths.
I will never forget your unbridled enthusiasm, unique insights, and the endless kindness you brought to General Magic and the world. I will cherish the memories forever. Sail on my friend.
Glenwood
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGm684mnar4
Zarko, whenever we met, we had a good geek-out and a laugh. Your spirit will live on in your children and your family and ones you have touched."
Back in Belvedere, we saw them from time to time and I rowed and sailed with Zarko, learning something new and important each time. When he went to Cloud Car, I lost my newest pal and did not row as much. I will never row past Angel or out to Fort Point without thinking of him and his steadiness in good water and bad. I wish I could have persuaded him to do the long row in Venice this year.
All our love to Nellie, Vivi and Sam at this terrible time.
people who loved you leave the earth so early. There are so many
beautiful tributes. Godspeed to a terrific person.
The sun is dimmer today now that you are gone.
"I stood watching as the little ship sailed out to
sea. The setting sun tinted its white sails with a golden light.
And as it disappeared from view, a voice at my side whispered, He is
gone. But the sea was a narrow one, and on the furthest shore, a
little band of friends had gathered to watch in happy expectation.
Suddenly, they caught sight of the tiny sail. And at the very moment
when my companion had whispered, He is gone, a glad shout went up in joyous welcome with the words, yes, here he comes!"
I wish I could tell you how much of an impact you had on my life. You helped set the trajectory for my career, for which I'm ever thankful. Thank you most of all for being nice to the kid that always wanted to bug you and see what you were building next.
With your gifted tools of the mind, heart and soul, you have selflessly coached and helped solve so many problems for your friends and loved ones.
With your creativity and hard work ethic, you have been an inspiration to so many of your peers and disciples.
You have always been there for me and I will continue to be there for you as you live in the spirit of your family and loved ones.
Thank you for all your confidence and friendship. You will always be my inspiration and hero,
John Cheuck
aka Johnny Chan
Thinking of you and remembering great times we all had together!
Recalling your creativity and hard work surrounded by all us mates Johnny & Michael, et al. You have been an inspiration, a true innovator and maven to me since I met you.
Thank you for all your friendship/time and the gift of your mind and good will.
In hoc signo vinces
Your lightning-fast generosity and childlike wonder at so many things was inspirational. Espresso makers, network protocols, foreign cities, classic films, the list is endless.
Forever in your debt, I'll not forget any of it.
Leave a Tribute
McKeeby Lodge computer camp, circa 1984
McKeeby Lodge computer camp, circa 1984
Zark0 mugging in the back row. As usual.
Zark0 was a counsellor here for a couple of years. I had him as my cabin counsellor in McKeeby's very first year. And although he was only a couple of years older than me, I still thought he was a pretty cool dude.
I remember one time when Zark0 had gone home during the break between weeks, he came back with his motorcycle, and gave me a ride on the back. (My first and last time, I think.)
He did have a very infectious energy, and I have fond memories of him.
I was pleased when I read in 2000 that he had such success in Silicon Valley, and had made the big score, cashing in when he sold his company. And it looks like he had a lot of fun times traveling, sailing, driving hot cars and spending time with his family and friends.
Still, I guess depression can get the best of us, and maybe, like the late Robin Williams, the most enthusiastic and energetic folks may be the ones for whom the black dogs of depression are the hardest to shake off.
My condolences go to Zark0's family and friends.
Remembering
Back in high school (TISS), some 30 years ago I had a friend and his name was Zarko. A tall, thin boy with a huge smile and a kind way about him. So full of life and energetic. He was smart, ambitious, and curious as I remember and a friend to many. His lab notes in chemistry class helped me on more than one occasion!
Our time in high school came to an end and we went our separate ways out into the world. Over the years when I've thought of those high school days, I'd remember Zarko with fondness and memories that brought a smile to my face.
In reading all of these beautiful tributes here it's plain to see that in his all-too-short-life he touched many people with those very same qualities that I remember.
I have been so saddened to hear of his passing. To his family and friends, my deepest sympathies for your terrible loss. Zarko, rest in peace. Kathy Uniacke (Edgley)