Zvonko Knez

His Resting Place

A portion of Zvonko's ashes were scattered amongst the trees along Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland — beside the Alexandra Park Raceway he loved. A peaceful and fitting resting place for a man who lived life fully.

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Early Days

From humble beginnings to the early years that shaped his life.

Family Life

Years filled with love, laughter, and the family he built.

Our Dida

Memories, moments, and a spirit that will always stay with us.

A life of courage, family, and unwavering strength.

Early Years

Zvonko Knez was born on 6th March 1934 in Zagreb, Croatia, the youngest of six children to Terezija and Ivan.From a young age, he was known for his adventurous spirit. School never quite captured his attention, but climbing cherry trees certainly did, even if it meant helping himself to the neighbour’s fruit.

A Bold Beginning

At just 16 years old, he made a life-changing decision. Telling his mother he was leaving home, he set out on a journey that would shape the rest of his life.Crossing the border from Yugoslavia into Italy, he spent days hiding under a cliff to avoid being seen. If caught, he would have been shot. But he made it through, eventually arriving in a refugee camp in Trieste.With little more than determination, he boarded a ship bound for what he thought was Canada, but it brought him instead to New Zealand, with only the clothes on his back.

Building a Life

In Auckland, he was taken in by Father Marinovich at the Catholic Church in Ponsonby and began working hard to build a new life.From delivering firewood to working at the Alex Harvey Tin and Metal Factory, he pushed forward despite barely speaking English.It was here that fate stepped in. Invited to Sunday dinner by a kind-hearted woman, he met the woman who would become his wife. She later said she had never seen anyone so handsome, and from that moment, their story began.

Family First

Married in January 1955, they went on to have three children. Family became the centre of his world.Life was filled with simple but meaningful moments, camping trips, beach days, racing events, and time spent together making strawberry jam. He was a teacher, a provider, and a steady presence.He was strict, but fair. Everything he did came from a place of love and wanting the best for his family.

A Man You Could Count On

He was known as a hardworking man who always provided and never cut corners. Whether it was through his work as a window cleaner or running a takeaway business, he ensured his family was secure.More than that, he was generous. If anyone needed help, they could count on him. Whether it was lending a car, helping financially, or stepping in when needed, he was always there.To his grandchildren, he was simply “Dida” — a constant, loving presence who would do anything for them, even stepping in as Santa Claus when no one else would.

Love, Life & Later Years

In 2003, during a trip back to Croatia, he met Marika. It was love at first sight.They later married and spent ten happy years together, travelling and sharing life side by side.Even in his later years, he remained full of life, he loved to dance, laugh, and enjoy the company of those around him.

A Lasting Legacy

After a sudden diagnosis, he passed away peacefully on 8th December, surrounded by his family.He was a man who embraced life fully, who gave deeply, and who left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

The Man We Remember

He was a father, a grandfather, and a man who lived with strength, humour, and heart.And for those who knew him best, he will always be remembered not just for what he did… but for how he made people feel.

The Man We Remember

We have been truly blessed to have Zvonko Knez as our father and grandfather.
He will forever live on in our hearts.

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