Rudi Tomic died on June 25, 2025 in Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada at the age of 91.
Rudi was born on August 8, 1933 in Radišići, Hercegovina to Mijo and Iva Tomic (nee Petrusic) and was one of five, predeceased by his siblings: Stojka, Mirko, and Stanko. He studied preventative medicine at the University of Mostar and worked in Sarajevo. He immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1959 with his brother Srecko seeking political refuge from communist Yugoslavia.
Rudi was a distinguished journalist, editor, and poet leaving behind a legacy of profound contributions to the fields of journalism and Croatian cultural and political discourse. He was best known as editor of Hrvatski Put (Croatian Way) and publisher of more than 30 works. He received the Canadian Ethnic Journalist’s award in 1991 for 30 years of journalistic excellence. He achieved all this while working as Manager of Printing and Duplicating at Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson). He received his Diploma in Ministry from St. Francis Xavier University in 2003, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as an active minister in his parish.
Rudi is survived by his wife Rose Anne Tomic (nee Materka) of 62 years, daughters Sonja (Ante) Banic, Sabina (Davor) Turcic, and Eva (Joey) Morano; eight grandchildren: Jakob, Stephen, Lara, Ella, Veronika, Lia, Cristian, and Mila; great-grandchildren Oriana and Cecilia; brother Srecko (Ivanka) and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral mass to be held at 11 a.m. on July 1, 2025, at Ste. Bernadette Parish, 45 Spruce Avenue, Elliot Lake, Ontario Canada. A memorial mass will be held at Queen of Peace Church, Norval, Ontario. The final resting place will be in Groblje Krvnica, Radišići, Hercegovina (details to follow).
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Elliot Lake Funeral Chapel & Cremation Centre (36 Ontario Avenue). Condolences to the family may be share online at www.elliotlakefuneralchapel.com