Dusan Maljan

Born in 1934 in Cerovac, Croatia (the former Yugoslavia), Dusan’s early years were shaped by adventure. He swam in the Korana river, explored the forests with his cousin, and—even after being separated from his family during the Second World War—remembered his childhood as a great adventure. That resilience and optimism would define his life.

As a young man, he served in the Yugoslav army as a paratrooper and rose to the rank of Captain, leading Divisions of men with strength and discipline. He also served on security details for Yugoslav dignitaries during state visits from other countries. Determined to build a different future, he made two attempts to leave Yugoslavia in his mid-twenties, facing detention before eventually making his way to Austria and working as a machinist for the shoe industry, supplying Bata Footwear to the UK. Though he first planned to immigrate to Australia, a fear of snakes changed his course to Canada—a decision that would bless generations to come.

After arriving in Quebec City, he headed for BC but ran out of money in Saskatchewan. With $10 in his pocket, he was fortunate to be sponsored by Leo Schaeffer to work in his shoe business. In Unity, he met Sylvia, the love of his life, ten years his junior, who helped him learn the language and adapt to his new home. Together they built a beautiful life. He was welcomed into the large Anton and Mary Mann family – and when Dus’s father saw a Mann family photo, he remarked that they could be their own baseball team!  Dusan established Maljan Shoe Repair in Unity and proudly served his community and surrounding area for 63 years, retiring at the remarkable age of 88.

Becoming a Canadian citizen in 1966 was one of his proudest achievements. Deeply grateful to Canada—especially the town of Unity and the many people who welcomed and supported him—he cherished the freedom and opportunity this country gave him. He returned to Yugoslavia many times to reconnect with family and to share his heritage with his children and grandchildren.

Dusan was always interested in the world and loved to talk about current events – CBC and BBC were the background to his workday.  He was a storyteller and a trickster, a hunter and fisherman, an accomplished gardener, curler, and golfer, a competitive card player, and above all, a hugger who loved to laugh. His big smile and twinkling blue eyes are the first thing most people mention when remembering Dus.  

Dusan will lovingly be remembered by his wife Sylvia of 65 years, his daughters Linda (Tom) and Sherry (Casey), son-in-law Dean (Marcy), grandchildren Chaela (Curtis), Devin (Natalie), Gage and Jax, great grandchildren Aubrie, Carter, Ava, Archie, and Oscar, sister Milica Licina (Karlovac, Croatia) and many brothers and sisters in law, nieces and nephews.  

Dusan was predeceased by his daughter Diana and grandson Justin

His life was one of courage, gratitude, humour, and enduring love.

In lieu of sending flowers, tributes can be made to the Unity & District Health Centre - Palliative Care Fund 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dusan Maljan, please visit our floral store.