B ranko Jurkovich passed away peacefully at his home in Anacortes, WA, on February 2nd, surrounded by his loving family. Born September 6, 1932, in Rijeka, Yugoslavia, to Vica and Mate Jurkovich - Branko was the youngest of three children. His earliest years were spent in Vela Luka on the island of Korčula. It was here that he developed a lifelong love for the sea, eventually becoming an elite swimmer and, later, an international water polo player.

Branko often credited the resourcefulness and survival skills he learned from his family on the island as the foundation for his character.  Seeking to further his maritime education, Branko moved to Rijeka to join his father and began his education attending a maritime academy and eventually beginning a career as a merchant mariner. However, witnessing the government seize his father's properties and business after WWII under the weight of communism sparked a hunger for freedom.

In 1956, while serving as 2nd Mate at the age of 24, Branko made the life-altering decision to "jump ship" in Venice, Italy, to seek political asylum. Driven by a desire for democracy and free enterprise, he set his sights on the United States to rebuild the dreams that had been stripped from his family.

In 1957, Branko met his devoted wife, Maria, in an Italian refugee camp. A year later the couple, along with their one-year-old daughter, arrived in New York city via ship on the Queen Frederica. Eventually settling in Anacortes 66 years ago, choosing Fidalgo Island as the place to begin their American chapter.

In those early years, Branko worked tirelessly as a crew member on fishing boats in both Puget Sound and Alaska, at the local plywood mill, for Uniflite boat building, and at various other jobs. He never complained; he viewed every job as an opportunity and a necessary step toward providing for his family and manifesting his dream of owning his own business.

Eventually, Branko's passion for the ocean led him to a successful career in commercial fishing across the Puget Sound and Alaska, which later transitioned into a lifelong love for commercial boat building. Over the course of many years, he created a fleet of the well-known and respected "Branko Boats." He took much pride and diligence in creating sound vessels that provided safety and seaworthy dependability to the fishermen who owned and operated them. It was an era when contracts were signed on napkins and sealed with a solid handshake—a time when experiences at sea forged lifelong relationships and unrivaled respect for one another.

A man of unwavering faith, Branko led by example and followed the word of God. He attended Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church until his last year of life, when he was no longer able to walk comfortably. Gifted in so many ways, Branko was a talented artist and self-taught musician who found great joy in playing the accordion, piano, and harmonica, sharing that joy with all of his family.

As an avid reader and historian, many conversations became learning opportunities for whoever was listening. He savored the life he lived and shared his knowledge to provide perspective that was often lost while in the throes of life.

Branko was defined by his commitment to doing what was right rather than what was easy. He strived for excellence in all things and served not only as a Captain at sea, but also as the "Captain" of his family, guiding them safely through every storm. He was the lighthouse, the beacon, and the rock upon which his family was built—an anchor when they needed to be still and a safe harbor when the seas were perilous.

Branko will always be remembered for his love for God, his family, and the country that gave him a second chance. He is deeply missed by his beloved wife, Maria; his three children, Andromeda "Andie" McMakin, Angela Jurkovich, and Paolo Jurkovich and his wife, Christie; grandchildren Jordan, Hannah, Silvana, Bo, Milan, Mikel, Paola, Jolie, Estee, and Branko Jr.; and great-grandchildren, Alden, Luka, Roman, Vaeya, Dominic, Daxton, Zoe, Andromeda, and Branko Vinko. He is forever cherished as a rare gift of a man and living example that "Dida" was, along with the beautiful memories he created and gave the family that loved him dearly.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church at 11 am with Rosary preceding at 10:30 am.  A Reception to follow immediately after.

To share memories of Branko please sign his online guest register and bookmark this direct link to check for updates: www.evanschapel.com/obituary/branko-jurkovich