Vlado Pajic

Vlado Pajic passed away peacefully at home on the evening of 11 June 2026, his hands held tightly by his wife, Kristina, and his children, Nikolina, Danijel, and Emilija. Those who knew Vlado well can attest that his presence was felt like an ever-welcoming sea breeze on a warm summer’s day. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of tenacity, joy, and generosity.

Vlado was born on 17 September 1970 in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, to Niko and Janja Pajic. He grew up in Yugoslavia at a time when weathering storms became second nature. Perseverance was learned early and carried for a lifetime. With the breakup of Yugoslavia, Vlado showed extraordinary resilience and, beginning in 1996, rebuilt his life as a refugee in Salt Lake City.

He married Kristina Ivanisevic on 9 January 1998, and together they raised three children with boundless compassion and warmth. Over time, they built a home on Croatia’s Adriatic coast and spent many happy months each year with family and friends by the sea he loved so dearly.

Vlado would often quip, “Work hard, play harder,” and the life he led proved true to those words. He spent many wonderfully fulfilling years building his general contracting business hand in hand with his beloved wife. He dedicated his exceptional craftsmanship to homes throughout the Salt Lake Valley and beyond, helping fulfil the dreams of others, which brought him lasting joy.

Every adventure with his family was deeply treasured in Vlado’s life. He loved to travel and experience the world with those closest to him. Whether skiing on the Wasatch mountains, driving the motorhome through national parks, or sailing among the islands along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, Vlado shared and cherished every adventure.

Known for his infectious laughter, Vlado spent his final days in the company of dear family and friends, listening to the gentle trill of tambure, smelling fresh rosemary and lavender from his garden, and flashing his beautiful smile. He is deeply loved and will be missed tremendously.

Vlado is survived by his wife, Kristina Pajic; his daughters, Nikolina Pajic and Emilija Pajic; and his son, Danijel Darko Pajic. He is also survived by his father, Niko Pajic, mother, Janja Pajic, sister, Gordana Vucak, and his darling nieces, Tamara, Ivana, Sofija, and Andjela.

Funeral Mass will be held at 6PM on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at St Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 7405 South Redwood Road in West Jordan. A visitation will be held prior to the Funeral Mass. Vlado’s final resting place will be in Zadar, Croatia.

Funeral services will be streamed via Zoom for those wishing to attend virtually.