Greetings and Happy Day!  This would be what I know of my Grandfather, Visko Lisicic, and my grandmother Vinka Lisicic (Budrovic).

I never met my grandfather, but my awesome grandmother lived next door until she passed, in July 1966, on her 76th birthday. My grandfather, Visko Lisicic was born in 1881, in Donje Selo/ Grohote, Croatia on the Island of Solta.  All I know has been handed down to me by my father, who passed in 2010 at the age of 95.  

My grandfather came to America in about 1906 along with lots of other Slavs and his brother, Marin Lisicic. I believe my grandfather had other brothers, I'm thinking a brother named Peter, but just do not remember much about that. My Grandfather's mother's name was Radman/Rodman also from Solta or maybe Split, but I really don't know.

My grandfather came through Ellis Island and worked for the railroad long enough to save enough money to get to Tacoma, WA where he lived the rest of his life.  He was a commercial fisherman and owned three fishing boats, The Solta, The Planet, and the Helen L.  Actually, my Grandmother owned the boats as my Grandfather could not be a US Citizen as he could not read or write. It's a little different now days. I'm sure there are lots of blanks to fill in here.  So, my grandmother went to school, learned to read and write, and became a citizen and was able to own the boat and property.

My Grandfather, Visko, sent to the old country for a wife and my grandmother along with her cousin came over with a bunch of ladies.  I want to think it was around 1912,  They were guaranteed passage back if it was not a fit.  So, mail order brides were pretty common at that time I guess.  When you think about it, same language, same expectations, same customs, same religion.  Wow, eliminates lots of challenges.

They got married and had a family.  My father was born in 1915 and three others after that, one Amelia, who passed in 1918, my Aunt Helen, and my Uncle Pete.  All GREAT people!  My grandfather caught pneumonia that left him with a rheumatic heart and, in 1934 passed away.  My father, Anton Lisicich, was the oldest and was now the head of the family and ran the fishing boat. 

My Grandmother, Vinka Lisicic, (Budrovic) came from Starigrad, on the island of Hvar. She was awesome! She told me many stories of life there.  Making and selling wine, owning vinyards, making and selling bread and baking it in a central oven in town. And, water so clear you could see 100 feet down!  She also made the best wine in all of old Tacoma.  Everyone lived Vinka's wine.  I remember that would go check it every day.  She would put some in a little peanut butter jar for me to drink.  She also sent some to school with me on the few days I packed a lunch.  Most of the time she would make lunch for me and I would get to go home for lunch.  Always, soup, peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and a glass of wine. No wonder I was the happiest kid in school!  I guess I got full though and now have given up all alcohol.

My grandfather, whom I never met, must have been an awesome man, because my Dad was the best dad ever! He taught me about life, and lead by example in all he did.  He was the best father a son could have.  Both my Dad and my grandfather were very, very, handsome.  No wonder my grand parents fell in love as they were both very strikingly handsome and beautiful  

I honor my grandfather, whom I never met, and my grandmother, Vinka Lisicic (Budrovic), with all my heart.  My grandmother lived next door and was the best grandmother anyone could ever have.  I think of her every day and can still see her beautiful face and smile in my mind, and along with her voice. 

I know there is so much more to this story and as I think of it, I will come back and add to this.

Today, I do my best to honor my grandparents, my parents, and the Lisicich (Lisicic) name.

Thanks You to all who have brought me this far in life.

John Lisicich

Washington State