Sydney’s Croatian community farewells an inspirational soul

Photo - Mark (left) with his brother Stephen during a memorable trip to Croatia. They planned to visit Croatia again this year but life's tragedy intervened

Marija SESAR

SYDNEY - The Croatian community in Sydney has been left deeply saddened by the recent death of a young man who had so much going for in his life. A young man who, despite his tender age of just 23 years, touched so many lives and leaves an indelible impression on so many who knew him - and those who had heard about his plight.

Mark Tresoglavic lost his 11 month battle against Ewing's Sarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer at the devastatingly young age of 23, about three weeks ago.

Previous words of support on the online support groups have turned into tributes, as all those who had known - or known of - Mark have been touched and inspired by his much publicised battle.

The Mark Tresoglavic Supporters' Page on the internet has more than 700 members. The following message was posted upon his death:

''This afternoon, on the 13th March 2008, at 2.20pm Mark David Tresoglavic passed away after an epic battle with cancer that lasted nearly a year. Although the cancer took his life, Mark won in many ways, and he never backed down or surrendered his positive attitude to the end. He passed in peace, without pain or suffering surrounded by family, friends and loved ones''.

Mark's plight was featured on the real life Nine Network television medical series, RPA, where he proved an inspiration with his positive attitude and the courage he showed. 

The RPA crew attended Mark's funeral and the producer also spoke at the funeral. Over 1200 family, friends and supporters attended Mark's funeral at Our Lady of Victories Church in Horsely Park.

Mum Joanne: Mark is an inspiration to us all!

Heartbroken parents, Miro and Joanne Tresoglavic, said Mark had been confident he would beat his illness and his love of activity and the outdoors meant he struggled to stay in bed at his Horsley Park home in his final weeks.

"Treso", as his mates called him, was honoured with a minute's silence before the NSW Premier League match between his beloved Sydney United and West Sydney the following Sunday.

Secretary of NSW Super League club Granville rage club Vic Zappia said: "He was a talented, sometimes cheeky footballer, who was respectful of and respected by his fellow teammates".

He was described by friends as a beautiful young man who was loved by all and will never be forgotten.

The love and support he had by so many including strangers was simply remarkable. He had touched so many people's lives and his courage and positive attitude. His battle with cancer didn't stop him from living.

Mark never backed down or surrendered and his positive attitude and high spirits reflected the person that he was. His strength to fight his illness was truly inspirational - he cared so much for his family and close friends that he put aside his pain and suffering to try and ease the pain and emotions that others were feeling.

He wanted everyone to be happy, and always put his family and friends first. He was a dedicated soccer player - his determination made him the talented player that he was. He was fun loving and outgoing with movie-star looks and loved to go fishing, dress up in the latest gear and have fun.

Mark had a special bond with his brother Stephen. They visited Croatia in 2006 where they hired a car and travelled up and down the coast, met up with about 20 other friends from Sydney and had the time of their lives.

Mum Joanne says he loved Croatia and was looking forward to going back with his brother this June. His brother Stephen's eulogy - a poem dedicated to his brother - reflected their closeness and how he would do anything and give anything to have him back.

The Tresoglavic family would like to thank our family, friends, Mark's friends, the soccer and school community, the Croatian and local community for their kind words, support and generosity, we are deeply appreciative.

R.I.P Mark Tresoglavic and may God Bless You!