The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) mourns the passing of prominent Australian Macedonian author and leader in the Macedonian cultural movement in Australia Janko Tomov, at the age of 83.
May his memory be a blessing!
Бог да го прости!
“Janko was a fierce defender of the Macedonian cause. The distance from Macedonia never deterred him, and he always stood by what he believed in. I will always fondly remember the e-mail communications I received from Janko over the past 18 years, and the conversations we had about his brother George, a mentor and dear friend of mine, who lived in New York City and passed away in 2008 – their love of Macedonian folk dancing will never be forgotten,” said UMD President Metodija A. Koloski.
UMD expresses its sincerest condolences to the entire Tomov family.
OBITUARY – JANKO TOMOV
Janko Tomov, aged 83, passed away peacefully on Friday 11th February 2022 at Redcliffe Hospital, Brisbane, Australia, following a serious neck injury.
Janko is survived by his wife Margaret Tomov; his son Sash Tomson; his daughters Annette McCubbin and Lidia Fethers; their partners Natalie, Cameron and Eric; and his grandchildren Alexander, Brigit-te, Claudia, Abbey, Tommy (deceased), Madison, Daisy, and Piper.
Janko was born in Strumica, Macedonia on 4th May 1938. He grew up there before moving to Skopje, Macedonia to study Physical Education, teaching for a time in schools and later becoming the Lead-ing Trainer and Professor at the Macedonian Institute of Quality Sport. Here, he wrote his first book which focused on Physical Education.
He married Planinka Gorevska (Nina) in Skopje on 7th November 1965. Together, on 27th September 1966 and 8th March 1970, respectively, they welcomed son Sash and first daughter Annette. The family migrated to Sydney, Australia in 1972, looking for a life with better opportunities for their future. Janko worked in both teaching and labour intensive roles. It was here, the following year on 7th February 1973, that they welcomed their second daughter, Lidia.
The family moved to Perth in 1976, where Janko worked with the Metropolitan Water Board for several years. He was injured there and unable to maintain work in physical labouring employment. Janko and Nina then built a successful ice-cream and confectionery business at the Grove Plaza Shopping Centre.
Janko became active in the formation of the political party VMRO-DPMNE in Australia, which became popular in Macedonia and ousted the ruling Socialist Party. He worked within the Macedonian community in Perth, promoting Macedonia and the interests of the party. He had a strong desire to bring about change in his beloved Macedonia, especially for recognition of independence and culture, and did this through published articles, peaceful protests and fruitful discussions and interventions across Australia and Macedonian public forums, radio, and internet groups.
Janko and Nina moved to Brisbane, then Noosa in the mid-1990s where his love for dance and music became more apparent through the dance classes that they joined. These classes included dance of all styles, especially folk dance.
Janko and Nina split in the year 2000, and shortly after he moved to Brisbane to be near his son Sash and family. Here he met Margaret Morse and they were later married on 20th April 2007. Residing in Redcliffe, he enjoyed his relaxed lifestyle, the warm weather, his frequent getaways to Noosa, and loved his daily ocean walks. With Margaret, he continued to pursue his love of dance, especially jive, along with his passion for writing. He published a total of 14 books about Macedonia, including ancient and modern history, and in recent years he wrote his autobiography. Janko visited Macedonia three times in recent years, deepening his love for his beautiful country.
He had a close relationship with his family, near and far, including his parents, sisters Mare and Zaga, and his brother George who lived in New York and was similarly active in promoting the Macedonian culture through folk dance and political activism.
Janko was a prominent figure in the Macedonian community, with such passionate values and wide knowledge. His passing is a loss to the Macedonian cultural movement. His published works are being honoured in a record at the National State Library of Skopje, Macedonia, supported by his niece and historian archivist, Violeta Santovska and historian Marjan Gjiovski.
Janko was a gentle man, loving father and Dedo (grandfather) and always smiling. He was and will remain loved and respected by all who knew him, especially his children and grandchildren. Janko will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
A public funeral service will be scheduled at the Macedonian Orthodox Church of St. Nikola in North Perth, followed by a private burial and family wake. A video will be made available of the service upon request. Condolences may be offered via email to Annette at: a.mccubbin@iinet.net.au