Postovani prijatelji

U nedjelju 5 Studenog 2006 godine u ranim jutarnjim satima tocnije 2.30 desila se prometna nesreca.U tom tragicnom dogadaju je bio I nas prijatelj dr.Rajko Glesic.

Sam udes se desio na mostu prema Maple Ridgeu na putu kojim se vracao  kuci iz Vancouvera.

Vozilo dr.Glesica je izvadeno isti dan iz rijeke ali o njemu samome  jos uvijek nemamo  nikakvih vijesti.

Dragi prijatelji;

Doktor Rajko Glesic je jedan od nas hocu reci Hrvat koji je  clan nase Hrvatske zajednice I uvijek je bio aktivan kada bi mu vrijeme I njegove obaveze dozvolile,doci u crkvu u Hrvatski Kulturni Centar Vancouver ili Pastoralno zemljiste Kardinal Stepinac u Richmondu.

Volio bi Vas podsjetiti da je dr.Glesic bio gost u nasem radio programu  9 Sijecnja 2005 godine.Sjecam se da sam ga samo jednom zamolio  da nam da podrsku svojim gostovanjem na sto je pristao bez razmisljanja jer je znao da je to za sirenje hrvatske rijeci .Sjecam se razgovora i ugodnog druzenja u nasemu programu kao I razgovora koji je bio na tecnom hrvatskom jeziku sa kojim se bez razloga ponosio.

Vjerujem cijenjeni prijatelji   Vi koji ste slusali tu emisiju da se sjecate mladog lijecnika sa kojim smo svi mi koji smo ga poznavali bili ponosni,a vjerujem I Vi koji ga niste imali priliku upoznati kada ste culi njegovu zivotnu pricu ste zavolili to divno ljudsko bice.

To be the Man

Dr. Rayko Glesic was like no other doctor, brother, son, or friend that anyone had ever met.  It did not matter where he went or who he met along the way, he was always the life of the party and able to put a smile on anyone’s face.  His presence would light up a room and he was capable of making the best of any situation.  Throughout his life he has challenged many obstacles and without fail, kept his head up high the entire time.  For those who know him, you should feel very privileged, and for those who do not, this article is just a taste of who he was and what he has accomplished in his very short time with us.

Raymond Rayko Joseph Glesic was born to Magdalena and Mirko Glesic on May 27th, 1971 in the town of Karlovac, Hrvatska.  Less than a year later they made their way to Vancouver, British Columbia where they struggled to start a life and make the best living situation possible for their first born child.  They never had a lot and were always struggling to make ends meet but no one ever complained.  Rayko lived with his parents as an only child for nearly 13 years and he always wished for a little brother or sister.  His wish came true when Magdalena gave birth to his little sister Veronika on January 14, 1984.  He immediately took on the role of big brother and took as much care and notice as the mother and father did, if not more.  This was the beginning of a bond like no other the world has ever seen.

After graduation from Centennial Senior Secondary in 1987, Rayko made his way to Simon Fraser University, which would pave the way to bigger and better things.  His parents could not have been more thrilled when he told them that he would like to enroll in medical school to become a podiatrist.  The day his acceptance letter came in the mail was one that will never be forgotten.  He was jumping off the walls, hugging the life out of his family and even all the pets (including the hamster)!  Not long after, this dream quickly became reality when he packed his bags and was off to Chicago, Illinois where he would spend the next five years of his life.  Rayko attended Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and was faced with the stress that comes with medical school along with the fact that he was away from his family and friends.  On top of that he took an emergency leave to go home due to a medical problem but because of his faith and determination he was able to get back to Chicago and successfully continue with the rest of his education.  It was in May of 1998 that all of his schooling paid off when he graduated with the rest of his peers and was amongst those who thought that he could never do it.  It was a slightly sweeter celebration as Rayko was the only Canadian amongst the American dominated class and faculty.  There was no doubt that this was the beginning of great things to come.

As much as Rayko grew accustomed to the people and places of Chicago, he never forgot where his home was.  Going back to Vancouver was somewhat heart breaking yet exciting at the same time because he was going home to new experiences and opportunities.  He was fortunate enough to know Dr. Scott Russell who had been his mentor and friend from the time he left for medical school.  With his support and guidance, Rayko was able to work and start building his name almost immediately.  With time, patience, and hard work Rayko was able to open up several practices.  He worked mainly out of Maple Ridge but also had an office in Port Moody, Mission, Ladner, and Gibsons.  His plate was full to say the least, but still managed to make time for everything and everyone else in his life.  His colleagues and patients found him to be professional, warm, caring, and very comedic.  Dr. Glesic was an outstanding podiatrist and patients have always found it easy to leave their problems in his hands.

With that being said, Rayko did have a wonderful life outside of his profession.  He managed to find a pleasant home as well as drive the vehicle of his dreams.  Spending time with his parents, friends and especially his sister was what he looked forward to in his spare time.  There was never a fear of starting new things because he was cautious and aware of all the risks involved.  He was full of dreams and plans for his future and was hoping to settle down and start a family of his own.  He was ambitious and very eager about what was to come and had a great network of people that supported him through every decision.

As most people know by now, his life has all been abruptly halted by recent tragic events.  Everyone is in shock and disbelief and it is undoubtedly the most difficult circumstance for his immediate family.  The only thing making this situation bearable are the constant thoughts, prayers, cards, gifts, and visits that people have taken the time to give.  Deepest condolences have been sent from all parts of the world and the family is extremely appreciative.  Rayko will be missed by many.

To quote one of his favourite idols, Dr. Raymond Rayko Joseph Glesic is the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be.