Obituary of Frank Radivoj Marusich
Died peacefully while surrounded by his family at 3:00 am, Monday December 9, 2013, after a valiant and brave battle against cancer. We were blessed to have celebrated his 84th birthday this year. Frank is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Thea (nee Covan) of North Bay, his daughter Nadia Toman(Peter) of Australia, and his son Sasha, of North Bay. He was the very proud grandfather of Georgina Day, Anthony Day (Sarah), Nicholas Day (Jess), and Rowan Bell-Marusich. He was so delighted and proud to have met his great grandson Jasper. He will be dearly missed by his sister Elvira, and his brother Nick (Doris), as well as by many nieces and nephews, in Canada as well as in Italy, Slovenia, and Argentina.
Born October 7, 1929 to Slovenian parents in Rence, he immigrated to Hamilton, Ontario in 1953. He worked in a manufacturing plant until 1964 when he acquired a real estate licence. As was Frank’s way, within a year he got his brokers licence and over the next 5 years created a successful real estate firm. His charm, negotiating skills (and stubbornness) were key to the development and creation of a dream shared by many of his cohorts – the construction St. Gregory the Great RC - the church that would nurture and nourish the growth of the local Slovenian community.
In 1970 Frank purchased a run down lodge and cottages on Lake Nipissing known as the Waltonian Inn. Working with his family he renovated, improved and expanded Waltonian Inn creating the “Pearl of Lake Nipissing”. Beginning with a snow mobile, a trailer and a few fishing huts, Frank brought ice fishing on Lake Nipissing to world class standards with 4 Bombardiers, 32 fishing huts, the best food on the lake and deluxe accommodations. By the time he sold the Waltonian Inn in 2001 Frank had overcome a fire that burned down the original lodge, built a new lodge with the help and support of his family, created a dining experience not seen before or since, and renovated the entire property for a second time.
Frank has been a leader in the Tourism Industry, a tireless fundraiser for the Rotary Club, and had spearheaded the Lake Nipissing Partners in Conservation, as well as the Lake Nipissing Stewardship Council. He has been recognized as a “Defender of the Lake” and awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2000, the Dorothy Walford Memorial Award, and many other accolades - all testaments to his dedication and drive in his chosen community. His relentless pursuit of funds for, and support of the Smiles for Life campaign led to his good friend Dr Mario Lemay and the team at Callander Bay Dental creating the Frank Marusich Award scholarship.
Frank’s boundless optimism, generosity and compassion, willingness to push everyone he knew to buy another rose or give another dollar, his fish fries, and more than anything, love, strength and character, will be missed by us all.
Friends may call at the Martyn Funeral Home on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption on Friday at 10 am. Cremation at the Forest Lawn Crematorium with the burial of ashes at the Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Burlington. A reception following mass will be held in the church hall. If desired, donations to the North Bay Regional Health Centre, Cancer Care–Chemo Unit would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
