On the evening of Saturday, February 19, 2022, Mate Goleš peacefully passed away at the age of 84, to rest with God in eternal peace. Mate was a loving husband and father, a devoted grandfather, and a kind, generous and caring man. He will live forever in his family’s hearts.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Darinka; daughter Nada and son Robert; son-in-law Andrew; daughter-in-law Željka; and his beloved grandchildren Nicholas, Anthyn, and Eva. He leaves behind many friends and extended family.
Mate was born on September 17, 1937 in Dalmatia, Croatia. He was the oldest of 5 children. After losing his father to a war-time injury, Mate became the man of the house at the age of 13 and took care of his family. He was driven, hard-working and he had big dreams. His strong work ethic, desire to care for his family, and passion to create a better life, led him to his vocation as a seafarer. Sailor Mate, went on adventures around the world, from Egypt to India, and from the many ports in Europe to North and South America. In 1964, he returned to Croatia to marry his childhood sweetheart, Darinka.
The world was Mate’s classroom and as he travelled the world, one thing was very clear: North America was the land of opportunity. He believed if you worked hard and you were tenacious and hopeful, you could provide a comfortable, stable, and safe life for your family. It was his ambition and dream to start a new life of freedom, hope, and opportunity for his family, and he did just that in Canada.
He immigrated to Canada at the age of 28, and brought Darinka and his daughter Nada to Montreal in 1969. Mate’s beloved Canada became his new home. Mate, Darinka, Nada and Robert eventually made a home in the Toronto area.
Mate was the happiest when surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Mate enjoyed simple pleasures like walking, playing bocce and briškula, watching soccer with his family, enjoying good food, and playing with his grandchildren. Mate found solace and peace in nature and was known for his long nature walks. He also loved the vineyards in Niagara wine country and made the day trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake often with his family. No doubt the vineyards reminded Mate of his beloved Dalmatia where he was born by the sea, among the vineyards and olive groves.
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