Obituary of Behrem (Bekir) Jakubovic
With profound sadness, the family of Behrem (Bekir) Jakubovic announces his passing on September 27, 2025, in his 88th year.
Beloved husband of Jovanka (nee Grkinic) for 65 years. Father of Mirsad (Larysa), Senad (Refija), and Mirsada (James). Proud Dedo to Emma (Jeff), Sajun (Teal), Justin (Kristen), Merissa, Mason and Alex; and delighted great-grandfather to Dean, Lennox, Jax and Ari. He is lovingly remembered by his many nieces, nephews and the entire Jakubovic and Grkinic Families.
Born in Bosnia (Yugoslavia) on October 27, 1937, Behrem was the son of the late Hasib and Hanifa (Comic) Jakubovic. He was raised in a large family and was predeceased by brothers Vehbija and Suhbija as well as his sisters, Zahida, Adila and Fatima.
Educated and raised in Bosnia, Behrem married Jovanka and later, with their three young children, emigrated to Canada in 1970, supported by Jovanka’s brother, Stevan. After a year in Sudbury where he did not enjoy working in the mines, Behrem thought he would try farming in the Holland Marsh. This he enjoyed much more, and he and Jovanka remained there.
Behrem valued education and encouraged his children to pursue higher education; and his children were happy to leave the day to day farming to their parents. Together, Behrem and Jovanka built their life in the marsh, working side by side until retirement. In later years, they
enjoyed tending their garden and sharing close bonds with neighbors.
Behrem’s life centred around his family. He loved to cook, although, having been a cook in the army, he used giant pots and pans that could feed dozens. “Please Dad, no more beans”, was a familiar plea in the home. Anyone randomly stopping by was sure to be fed a full meal. He was very generous and would often share the fruits of his organic garden with others. He loved and respected nature and never wasted anything.
Behrem always cared deeply about the environment: he started reducing, reusing and recycling in the early 1970s before it became widespread. His young children would wonder why shoppers in the stores would fill their purchases with brand new bags while their father would bring boxes from home and put his purchases in them, reusing the boxes often. He was not a man who cared about material possessions, although he would share in the joy of other’s appreciation of such things, especially when his grandchildren came to show off a new car or some other purchase.
He enjoyed playing chess with his children. Each of his children could beat him by the time they were 8 years old. Behrem’s playful spirit would shine through, when he would challenge them to a game and resort to playful cheating.
In retirement, Behrem led a quiet life and cherished his family, often looking after his grandchildren when they were young. Behrem has seen the Jakubovic and Grkinic families grow into many branches over four generations. This brought him much happiness in his later years.
Mostly he was a private man who loved his family and wished for them to respect all humans and treat them equally and kindly, as he tried to do throughout his life.
Visitation will be held at Skwarchuk Funeral Home, 30 Simcoe Rd., Bradford on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 11 a.m. Interment at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Bradford
In lieu of flowers, Behrem wish would be to leave a legacy that encouraged people to take care of the Earth and each other.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Ransom and the staff at Margaret Bahen Hospice for their care during Berhem’s last weeks. For those wishing to do so, donations can be made to Margaret Bahen Hospice.