ZIEGLER, Jozef Ziegler

This dedication is for my beloved father, Joseph Ziegler, a man whose life was defined by love, sacrifice, hard work, and unwavering devotion to his family.

Born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1944, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, my father entered this world on a day dedicated to love, and he spent his entire life living that meaning. Jozef Ziegler was a devoted son who loved his mother, Francesca Ziegler, with all his heart. He was also a caring brother who spent his life looking after and supporting his brother and sister whenever they needed him.

As a young man, he courageously fled Slovenia in pursuit of a better future. With determination and resilience, he made his way on foot to Germany, where he lived for thirteen years. During those years, he pursued one of his greatest passions—playing football, or soccer as it is known in North America—at a semi-professional level. Even then, his discipline, perseverance, and strong spirit were evident.

In the early 1970s, carrying little more than hope, courage, and a dream, he immigrated to Canada with the support of an aunt and the belief that hard work could build a better life. It was here that he met the love of his life, my mother, Helena Uzelac. Together they built a life founded on love, commitment, and family.

My father dedicated many years of his life to working as a machine fitter and tool and die maker at Magna. He was a man who never shied away from hard work. Six days a week he worked tirelessly to provide for his family, and on the seventh day he continued working at home. Whether detailing his cars, tending to his own property or helping maintain my grandmother’s home, he approached every task with pride and determination.

Anyone who knew him knew his standards. He was meticulous about his cars, yard, his gardens, and the appearance of his home. Every blade of grass, every flower bed, every neatly maintained corner reflected his belief that effort matters and that hard work always pays off. He taught by example, never asking more of others than he expected of himself.

Beyond his work ethic, he possessed a wonderful sense of humor, a spirited personality, and a strength of character that left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. I am proud to say that I carry many of his qualities with me—his determination, his humor, his resilience, and his belief that there is dignity in honest work.

Of all the roles he played in life, perhaps none brought him greater joy than being a grandfather. His beloved granddaughter, Maya, was truly the jewel of his life. The love he had for her was immeasurable.

One of the softer sides of my father, which those closest to him knew well, was his deep love for dogs. Throughout his life, dogs were not simply pets to him—they were cherished family members. During his years in Germany, he adored his beloved Boxer, who was his loyal companion through many of his younger adventures. Later came Shibo the male Akita, our family dog, who brought joy and companionship to our home for thirteen wonderful years. In more recent years, he formed a special bond with Kukla, my family dog, whom he loved dearly. Watching him with his dogs revealed a tenderness that balanced his strong work ethic and disciplined nature. Their loyalty, companionship, and unconditional love meant the world to him, and they were fortunate to be loved so deeply in return.

Today, he is mourned and lovingly remembered by his daughter Juliana, his son-in-law Robbie, his cherished granddaughter Maya, and all those whose lives he touched. While our hearts are broken by his loss, we are forever grateful for the years we shared with him and the countless lessons he taught us through the example of his life.

We will miss him profusely. We will miss his laughter, his wisdom, his stubbornness, his stories, his guidance, and his presence. Yet his legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the family he loved so deeply, and the memories that will remain in our hearts forever.

Dad, thank you for your sacrifices, your love, your strength, and your unwavering dedication to our family. Your journey was remarkable, your life was meaningful, and your love will never be forgotten.

May you rest in eternal peace, reunited with those who have gone before you, and may your memory continue to guide and inspire us every day.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever remembered. 🕯❤️🤍