SHOP
Radomir (Bob) Oreščanin passed away peacefully at Abbotsford Regional Hospital on December 23, 2024, after a six-month battle with an aggressive form of cancer. He was 82.
Born in Zemun, Serbia (formerly Yugoslavia), Bob lived a remarkable life defined by resilience, dedication, and passion. At just 14 years old, he began his journey as an apprentice, eventually becoming a self-employed professional whose career spanned over six decades and five countries: Serbia, Croatia, Italy, Canada, and the United States.
Bob escaped the political turmoil of the former Yugoslavia. He spent two years in Italian refugee camps before immigrating to Canada in June of 1963, where he began building a new life with his signature energy and determination.
Bob was passionate about his family, his work, and his many interests. He loved travel, had a deep appreciation for music—playing the Serbian-style accordion and dabbling in guitar and piano—and was passionate about judo. His involvement in the sport included roles as a competitor, teacher, referee, coach, and administrator. He was recognized for his lifelong contributions to judo with several honors, including the Steve Sasaki Award (2018), a Judo BC Lifetime Membership (2024), and the achievement of Rokudan (6th Dan) rank in 2023.
Energetic, enthusiastic, and physically fit well into his later years, Bob led a tumultuous and full life—a life that embraced adventure, fun, hardship, and profound love. He cherished storytelling, had a fascination with old cars, and found great joy and pride in his construction work. Above all, he was a man who deeply loved people and built lasting friendships around the world.
Bob was predeceased by his first wife Mirjana and their beloved son Stevica, and later by his wife Lee Ann. He is survived by his devoted wife Patricia, his sons Stevan, Danilo (Kristin), Radomir ‘Charlie’ (Nikki), and Marko (Nicole), and his grandchildren: Emily, Nikola, Luka, and Dejan.
He was cremated in January 2025, and a private family service was held on January 6, 2025.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at Newlands Golf and Country Club, 21025 – 48 Avenue, Langley, BC. For planning purposes, please email Patricia at urban_const@shaw.ca and indicate the number of attendees.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to BC Cancer in memory of Radomir (Bob) Orescanin.
