Boris Barbir

Boris was born on 06th October 1956 in Zagreb, Croatia - the son of Milan Barbir and Ankica (nee Kurahic) - where he grew up with his brother, Zdravko [Steve] and sister, Zdenka. His family moved to Switzerland where Boris spent his formative years. Boris immigrated to Canada in 1977 to join Steve who was already living here. Following in the steps of his father and brother, Boris worked as a tool and die maker at Rotoflex until 1980. At that time Steve and Boris opened their own tool and die company Flexodie (which is today run by his nephew, Morris) and in 1984 started Roto Engraver in Acton until 2010. From 2010 to 2023 Boris operated his own business called Rollcut Inc. in Mississauga. Boris loved his work. It was his passion and he did not consider it work. In 2020 Boris joined efforts with Brad Cairns to produce facial masks during the Covid 19 pandemic. A proud Canadian, Boris deeply believed in his creed, “Be Canadian – Buy Canadian”.

Boris is survived by his three daughters – Maya (Nico), Darya and Sonja and his four step-sons, Francis, John (Nicole), Patrick and Chris. Boris was grateful to have his cousins Mirjana (Damir) and Mike in his life. He will be reunited with his niece Dagmar (deceased 05th August 2019) and surely missed by nephews Morris (Emily) and Daniel.

In 2008 Boris met Monika Buckley who he called “the love of his life”. In November 2010 they moved to their beloved country home in Ballinafad (which they named On Golden Pond). Boris and Monika spent 13 happy years there where Boris loved sitting by the pond, dancing in the kitchen to Semino Rossi’s German love songs and cutting the grass with his tractor. In January 2022 Monika and Boris moved to Beaverton.

Boris’ enjoyed travelling, nature, loyal customers and being with his friends. He disliked cold weather, lazy people and crazy drivers.

In August 2022 Boris and Monika lovingly welcomed baby Lochlan into their lives – the first Buckley grandson and the son of John and Nicole.

Boris quietly passed away on 26th July 2023 in hospital with Monika by his side.