Profile photo of Zoran Čanji 

Zoran Čanji 

September 23rd, 1950 October 8th, 2025
Calgary, Alberta Canada
Zoran Čanji 

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
~ Mary Elizabeth Frye

Obituary

Zoran, a cherished father, husband, and grandfather, passed away in Hospice with his family by his side October 8th 2025 at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion. His life was defined by his unwavering commitment to his wife, Helena and his family, with his greatest joy found in the company of his adult children, Phil (Nubia), Pavle (Gale), and Andrea (Chris) and chosen son Patrick. Always there when needed, Zoran prioritized his family above all else, offering support and commitment in every situation. His grandchildren, Jude, Isabella, Ezra, Lucas, Isaac, Miles, and Lennox, are the light of his life, bringing him endless happiness with their presence.

Zoran’s life was a testament to devotion and resilience. He surrounded himself with a close-knit circle of family and friends, many of whom viewed him as a father figure. His unique spirit and kindness touched the lives of all who knew him. As we mourn his passing, we find comfort in the knowledge that his legacy endures through his beloved grandchildren and the countless lives he enriched with his generosity and warmth. Zoran will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

Timeline

1950
September 23rd
Born
Kovin, Serbia
1968
Military
Serbia
1970
Immigrated to Canada
Moved to join his Auntie (Nadezda (Nada) Dabić) and Uncle (Gliša Dabić) and worked as a carpenter
Calgary, Alberta
1976
October 23rd
Married Helena 
Calgary
1977
June 20th
Became a Father
Philip Čanji was born, followed by Pavle (1979) and Andrea (1983)
Calgary 
2007
March 9th
Became a Deda
Welcomed his first Grandson, Jude, followed by Isabella (2008), Ezra (2009), Lucas (2011), Isaac (2011), Miles (2015), and Lennox (2017)
Calgary 
2025
October 8th
Went to Heaven
Passed in the beautiful arms of his daughter, Andrea
Calgary

Photos


Videos

Memory wall

Post your condolences or share your Memories.


October 10, 2025
I only recently met Zoran. I spent a weekend at their trailer near Invermere. Even though he was sick, he welcomed me to his home-away-from-home and treated me like family. When I had to leave he came and saw me out. I remember he was smiling and happy. This is how I remember him. Through this very difficult time, he still found the strength to show kindness to me. This says a lot about a person.

I feel very fortunate that I got to meet him and get to know him a little. Rest in peace Mr. Canji.
Tim Pushor
October 9, 2025
Zoran's passing pains us, but his life was a celebration of friendship, joy, and love.
Today we don't say goodbye, but rather see you later, dear friend.
Your light will continue to shine in all of us who loved you, and the seed you planted will continue to grow in the magnificent family that you and your "Chiquita" formed.
Francisco & Liliana
October 9, 2025
Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with the Čanji Diaz family. Great loss indeed. Wishing Zoran’s memories will be like an elixir to a such painful reality.
Nelly González, Raj and Liliana Mehta
October 9, 2025
Our beloved Deda lost his battle to cancer at 12:57am yesterday (Sept 23, 1950 - Oct 8, 2025). The void we feel right now and the ache in our hearts is beyond words. He was a warrior; he fought hard for six years. He is our hero and will be missed forever. His love for his family was unconditional. His legacy will live on in our hearts, in our family, especially his seven grandkids who all adored him. Rest easy dad; we love you forever.
Phil Canji
October 8, 2025
Sending our prayers, hugs, condolences and love to the Canji family. We hope you can find comfort in the shared moments you had with Zoran. What an amazing person he was. We’ll always remember his smiling face, boisterous laugh, and the love he had for all his friends and family.
Conley family
October 8, 2025
Sincerest condolences for your immense loss. He was such a kind, generous spark of a man. I will always fondly remember my time spent with him and your family over the years. I could always feel the deep love he held for all of you.
Megan
October 8, 2025
Sending you all our love and condolences at this difficult time. May your memories carry you through on your journey to finding peace.
Mhairi, Nelson, Eilidh & Maxwell
October 8, 2025
I met this wonderful soul two summers ago. He was funny and spicey. Easy to love and enjoy, and I will miss his presence in the backyard at the smoker. And that moustache he used to sport! So gangsta!! I So enjoyed the slide show of him and his beautiful legacy. His FAMILY. Such beautiful souls themselves is a true reflection of what a beautiful man he was❤️You will be missed❤️
Kimberly wood
October 8, 2025
We are so incredibly sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man, father & grandfather. We are pleased to be able to celebrate his legacy with the picnic table and treasure the times we were fortunate to enjoy his company at Canji family gatherings. Big hugs to everyone.
Zaher family
October 8, 2025
May loving memories of a, very, special person, bring you peace and strength.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Janet Bennett
October 8, 2025
The Best.
Gary Braniff
October 8, 2025
Zoran was one of the best humans I know. I will miss him forever, but am honoured to carry the Čanji name. Thank you for the beautiful legacy you have given us all. Love you forever.
Gale Canji

Family tree

Other family members
Nubia Čanji
Daughter in law
Gale Čanji
Daughter in law
Chris Dewling
Son in Law
Patrick Colucci
Chosen Son
Šandor Čanji
Sofija Čanji 
Rista Todorovic
Danica Todorovic (Reiver) 
Lazar Čanji 
Vera Čanji (Todorovic)
Helena Diaz
Mihajlo Čanji 
Nenad  Čanji 
Pavle Alexander Čanji 
Children
Jude Canji
Ezra Canji
Carlo Philip Čanji
Children
Isabella Canji
Lucas Canji
Paulina Andrea Čanji 
Children
Isaac Dewling
MIles Dewling
Lennox Dewling
Mihajlo Čanji 
Nenad  Čanji 
Helena Diaz
Pavle Alexander Čanji 
Jude Canji
Ezra Canji
Carlo Philip Čanji
Isabella Canji
Lucas Canji
Paulina Andrea Čanji 
Isaac Dewling
MIles Dewling
Lennox Dewling
Zoran Čanji 

Favorites


Zoran's Quotes and Saying's
- Who put that there?
- Every how come has a because.
- Don't be a hero, the hero's are dying.
- You’re blushing my balls.
- You’re eating gummies for dummies
- Not your Calgary Flames, they’re your Calgary Candles
- Always said to his grandkids, “you’re cruising for a bruising"
Zoran's drinks for celebration
- Scotch and 7-up
- Slivovica
Zoran's favorite Foods?
-Hungarian Sausage
- Smoked meat
Zoran's favorite Music ?
- He had a love for Harry Belafonte

Memorial 

We’re planning a special memorial picnic table in honour of our dear “Deda” Zoran. We invite you to be part of this meaningful tribute. Your donation will create a cherished memory that family and friends can gather around for years to come. We’re thinking of setting up the picnic table in one of the beautiful parks in Calgary or nearby. It’ll be a place where we can create unforgettable memories, share stories, and continue to strengthen our bonds as a family and friends. Instead of flowers or gifts, we’d be incredibly grateful if you could make a donation via etransfer to thecanjis@gmail.com. Your contribution will help us make Zoran’s legacy live on. We truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and support. Let’s continue to cherish the special memories that Zoran created for us all. www.parksfdn.com/bench-and-table-dedication#Tax


Listen the the playlist we made to remember and celebrate Zoran
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1H9U3YM9PyBh9RADNhnGvU?si=a43d8658051f4429
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