In Loving Memory
1970•2026
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.
Dear family, I want to tell you from the bottom of my heart that I knew Mr. Vlado, his charisma and positive energy radiated wherever he went. He was a great boss and a good person with a kind heart who helped everyone. I will remember him with great affection someone who helped others by providing employment and bringing joy.
What an awesome tribute to a Great Man, Husband, Father and Friend. He was happiest when he was doing for others. We had so many special times together after being introduced by another friend and neighbor who predeceased him Roger Trujillo. His family quickly became our family. He welcomed us into his home. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. Vlado was a brother to me. With heavy heart I accept he is gone as he is no longer in pain or trapped in his own body. He was a man of faith - I am sure we will see him on the other side. The family he left behind did all they could do. To them all, I wish them peace and open up my heart, my door, my table and most importantly my prayers to help them heal. Love you all, with deepest condolences- To Vlado- Love you brother sure going to miss you. We will wait “ behind the yellow line”until we are invited to join you!
Brother Jeff
The first time I met Vlado in Croatia, he said to me that if I don’t take care of his daughter Nikolina, I will be number one on his list. I never want to be number one on his list, so I will forever take care of his beautiful daughter. What a privilege it has been to spend time with Vlado. I’ll never forget the steak he proudly grilled for me, served on the hottest plate my thumb has ever met. As he presented it to me he said “this will be the best steak you will ever have”. Boy was he right. He taught me Croatian words and expressions which made him laugh every time I repeated them. He made me truly laugh, and will continue to do so.
Draga Kristina,
duboko sam ožalošćena vešću o tvom gubitku. Primi moje saučešće...Pokoj duši tvom Vladi,a neka tebi i porodici lepe uspomene daju snagu da prebrodite ovaj težak period.
Saška
We were fortunate to meet Vlado when he and Kristina visited the UK last year. We were struck by the warmth of his character and his gentle humour that was ever-present.
Sending much love to Kristina, Nikolina and the rest of the family. ❤️
Iskreno saucesce cijeloj obitelji I neka vam bog da snagu u ovim najtuznijim trenucima a Vlado neka pociva u miru bozjem 🙏🏻🕯️⛪️
We are so sorry for your loss. Vlado was an amazing person and friend. He will be dearly missed. Sending you lots of love in this hard time.
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful man. Vlado was kind, generous, and a wonderful soul. He was best friend to Roger my husband for many years. Christine and family lived across the street from us and we couldn’t have asked for better neighbors. Vlado will be dearly missed. We’re sending our condolences and prayers to Kristina Nikolina, Danijel and Emilija. The Trujillo’s
I hope Roger and Vlado are having a drink somewhere looking down on all of us❤️
Kristina iskreno saučešće.. Da Vlado počiva u miru Bozijem. Amin.
We have been thinking about you all such a lot and have so much we want to say. Main thing is we are glad to have known Vlado and wish we could have had more time with him. He was in fine spirits and out hiking with Kristina in Arizona last time we all video called. We picture him laughing. Sending love to you all.
We are sorry for your loss. Vlado was someone who made others feel welcome, valued and cared for. He brought comfort and joy to everyone fortunate enough to know him. Tule, you will be missed and memories created will remain with us always. Rest in peace my friend.
Vlado and family -
You made a giant impact on my life and you come up in my mind quite often. One of the few people I have ever met that had so much joy and appreciation for life and those around him. It’s been years since we have had contact but you will forever have a place in my heart. Rest in peace my friend, you will be missed by those that knew you.
A few kind words can mean a great deal to the family in the days ahead.
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