Vel Kurjakovic

Age 57, of 921 Harris Road, Corning, died unexpectedly on July 9, 2011. He was born on February 23, 1954 in Glina, Croatia, in what was then Yugoslavia. Beloved Husband of Nancy (Lazeski) Kirby Kurjakovic, he is also survived by his daughter, Claudia Kurjakovic, stepson; Michael Howland, mother; Mira Kurjakovic, sister; Nevenka (Kurjakovic) Haverson, his aunt; Nena Scoff, along with numerous nieces, nephews, step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren. Vel loved the sea, from his childhood summer holidays at Opatija on the Adriatic coast, to the Atlantic winter sea crossing as a teenager, following the family's dream for a life free of communism in America. Later, after completing his university degree, and very proud of his American citizenship, he decided to follow that love of the sea, and joined the U.S. Navy, in which he held the rank of Lt. Commander. While at sea, he traveled from the Arctic, to the Antarctic, travelling through the Straits of Magellan, down the Congo, and to many other exotic ports of call. He never lost his love for adventure. Vel was extremely competitive, and used that to great advantage on the tennis courts. In his last competitive tournament in 2006, he was ranked one of the top 50 amateur players over 50 in the US. Vel also loved the life that he and Nancy were building on their farm in Corning. While the demands of work required him to be away in Washington, DC most weeks, home was on the farm where he and Nancy were remodeling their house. Vel was full of life and energy, and was always ready to laugh- and always ready for the next adventure. A memorial service is planned for Sunday, July 17, 2011at 1:00 PM at the family farm at 921 Harris Road (Caton), Corning, NY surrounded by the nature that he loved. The family will have a private ceremony at a later date to commit his ashes at sea. A' Candle of Remembrance' may be left for his family in obituaries atwww.olthof.com