Edward Gasparic

Edward Gasparic 

September 5, 1941 - December 25, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Edward (Ed) Gasparic, beloved husband, father and friend, who left us peacefully surrounded by his family on December 25th, 2025, at the age of 84. Left to mourn are his wife of 57 years, Grozdana; his son Johnny (Michelle);his daughter Kristina (Stuart); and many extended family and friends.

On September 5,1941, Ed was born in the beautiful small village of Sveta Marija (St. Mary), Medimurje, Croatia, where he spent his childhood with his family and attended school in Prelog, Croatia. Later, he moved to Zagreb, Croatia, where he completed trade school and worked as a heavy-duty railroad mechanic until 1967. Ed married his sweetheart, Grozdana, in Zagreb in April 1968. In January 1968, he immigrated to Canada and landed a job in Regina, Saskatchewan, working for the Canadian National Railroad (CN Rail). One year later, Grozdana and Johnny joined him in Canada. They had their daughter, Kristina, and remarried in November 1969. Ed worked for CN Rail as a heavy-duty diesel mechanic for 30 years. Once retired, Ed worked on various home construction projects and as a commissionaire at Sask. Polytech Wascana Campus.

Ed led a vibrant life, with many passions and hobbies. Gardening was his love, and each year he planted luscious gardens in their backyard where he would watch them grow. His also loved wine making. Each year, he ordered grapes from California and made wine in a cellar in his home where he stocked wine for aging.

Ed’s ultimate passion was music. You could always find him at home singing and playing his bass and acoustic guitar. When Johnny and Kristina were 8 and 9, Ed and Grozdana began their family band, which they called Adria. They shared their love of music with Croatian Communities across Western Canada. The family band expanded into the country music scene and was named Midnight Fire, then later Texas Connection, with multiple musicians and very good friends.

Ed and Grozdana welcomed Kristina’s husband, Stuart, into the family, who were married September 1, 2012. He has been a loving part of the family for over 19 years.

Ed loved his family, friends, coworkers and community. He had great relationships with his neighbours, who have been very kind and helpful to him and his family over the years. He loved to share his food and wine while having deep conversations about history, geography and music. Ed had an incredible gift for making everyone feel like his best friend, offered endless support and wisdom, and was always there for his son and daughter.

Ed was very proud of his Croatian heritage and preserved its culture and traditions after moving to Canada. He loved Croatian cuisine and was so proud of Grozdana when she made delicious baked goods and recipes inherited from her parents, especially her apple-and-cheese strudel.

Ed’s connection to Croatia, his homeland, was very strong, and the family traveled back home together numerous times, visiting family and friends while relishing in its beautiful geography and culture.

We wish to sincerely thank Ed’s medical team over the past two years and most recently, the palliative and hospice team in Regina.

Ed will be deeply missed and forever lovingly remembered for his spirit, his love of life, his hardworking nature, his musical talent, and for his love of family and friends. He taught us to live, laugh and love. May his spirit live on in all who knew him.

Nikada te nećemo zaboraviti i uvijek ćeš biti u našim srcima. Voliti ćemo te zauvijek.

Ed’s Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2025 at 2:00pm at Holy Child Parish - 2636 7th Ave E, Regina, Sk.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local hospital or donate your time and visit the sick and elderly.