Frank Katana
elevated PzdGk With deeply saddened hearts, we share the news of Frank Katana’s passing on May 13th, 2024, at Shepherd’s Lodge in Scarborough. He was 92 years old. Frank was married 62 years to his beloved wife Ljubica, a loving father to Susan (Stuart) and Frank Jr. (Annalie), and a cherished grandfather to Andrew, Bradley, and Cristoff. He was also a beloved brother to his sister Mila (Damijan) and his late brother Josip (Milka).
elevated PzdGk Frank’s life began on January 31, 1932, in the humble village of Mali Bukovec, Croatia in the former Yugoslavia. He was born into a family of hard-working farmers and firemen, who instilled in him a strong work ethic from an early age. His passion for making shoes would lead him on a remarkable journey, escaping communist Yugoslavia, and forging a new life in Canada. This journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, is a testament to his resilience and determination.
elevated PzdGk His wife, Ljubica, whom he married by proxy, joined him in this adventure, and together with their family, they built a life filled with love and success. Frank’s entrepreneurial spirit and visionary mindset led him to establish Celebrity Shoes, a venture that would make him one of Canada’s most successful entrepreneurs from the 1970s to the 1990s. He manufactured and distributed ladies’ comfort shoes nationwide, but his heart always remained with his homeland. He was deeply involved in supporting Croatian charities, orphanages, societies, and business associations in Canada. His love for Croatia was evident in his friendships with leading Croatian dignitaries, including the first President, Franjo Tuđman. Despite his achievements, Frank remained humble, never seeking recognition but always ready to share his life stories and accomplishments at social functions and family gatherings.
elevated PzdGk Frank was a successful entrepreneur, a man of many passions and had a wonderful sense of humour, often introducing himself with a modest, ‘I’m just a shoemaker.’ Known for his kindness, generosity, and visionary leadership, he was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, which endeared him to all who knew him. In business, he was always willing to work with all kinds of people, whether training workers in the shoe factory or making real estate deals with a wide range of people in later years; Frank successfully dealt with all kinds of individuals, from farmers to the most well-known developers in the local industry.
elevated PzdGk In recent years, Frank faced a tough fight with Alzheimer’s dementia. Despite the challenges, his resilience and spirit remained strong, inspiring his family and friends.
elevated PzdGk The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Shepherd’s Lodge for the kindness, support, and care shown to Frank during his stay. In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s honour may be made directly to Shepherd’s Village at [Shepherd’s Village Donation Page](https://shepherdvillage.org/donate/).
elevated PzdGk Frank Katana’s legacy of love, dedication, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
elevated PzdGk Visitation
Saturday, May 25, 2024 from 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Funeral Home Chapel – Assumption Catholic Cemetery
6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T1N4
elevated PzdGk Funeral Service
Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Funeral Home Chapel – Assumption Catholic Cemetery
6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T1N4
elevated PzdGk Interment
Assumption Catholic Cemetery
Funeral Home Chapel – Assumption Catholic Cemetery
6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T1N4
elevated PzdGk
My sincere condolences to Susan, Frank Jr and their friends and family.
My condolences. I am so sorry for your loss. We all have great memories spent on Seaburn Place, Agincourt. Your parent’s great hosts to us! Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Hello Susan!
First of all, I’d like to offer my DEEPEST SYMPATHY once again to your Mother, to You and your family and your Brother and his family.
I’ve been thinking about you a lot and wish easier days when you can handle all the pain what comes to all of you at this sorrowful time. And by time, it will be better.
Thank you so much for letting me know your Father’s funeral arrangement.
I plan to come to the funeral home with Anna.
I didn’t know your Father, but you tell lots of nice things about him, and it seems to me, that he was a very helpful and supportive gentleman to so many people, what is so beautiful.
You had a very BEAUTIFUL FATHER.
I wish him a peaceful rest in heaven by surrounded with many caring angels.
Dear Katana Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. He was a great man.
I know my Tata Milivoj Fijan has greeted your Tata with open arms and they remembering their youth in Mali Bukovec. Sending you all our sincere condolences.
Family Fijan Leo
Dad loved Mali Bukovec because of the family and friends from there.
Let us share in the heart warming memories of a great man. Let us acknowledge how caring you all were looking after him in his senior years. You are our second family, and the Krpan’s will miss your father dearly. Peace be with you
My sincere condolences to Sue, Stuart and the entire Katana and Cork family for your loss. Let us remember Frank for his incredible generosity, in particular towards my wife Christina. He was a second father to her. The Katana’s are a second family to the Krpan’s. We will miss Frank dearly.
I express my heartfelt condolence to Frank Jr. and the rest of the Katana family. Your love and concern for others have really stood out over the years. Thank you for the times of worship and fellowship and fun together over the many years. I give God thanks that in Christ we have a faithful Rock in whom we find strength to continue during times like this. I will uphold you in prayer as you continue in life’s journey. May you find courage in knowing that you have many dear friends who care deeply. May God, in His love, bless everyone in the family.
Thank you so much dear brother,
To Ljubica and the Katana family, we are deeply saddened to hear the loss of your dear husband, father, and grandfather Frank. Please accept our condolences and may he rest in peace. Ika Beg and Family
Sending my sincerest condolences
R.I.P.