It is with a heavy heart that I write this tribute to Emir, a wonderful young man who left us far too soon at just 29 years old. Emir was not only my ex-wife’s nephew but also a part of my family, and his passing leaves a void that words cannot fill.
Emir was an amazing kid, full of life, kindness, and potential. I had the privilege of sharing a unique bond with him—he once lived with me, and I had the honor of teaching him to drive. Those moments spent in the car, with his excitement, determination, and humor, are memories I will cherish forever.
He was more than just family, he was a friend, a confidant, and a bright light in all our lives. Emir had a way of bringing warmth and joy to everyone around him, and his spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched.
Though his time with us was far too short, Emir’s legacy will endure. I will always remember him, speak of him, and keep his memory alive in my heart. His kindness, laughter, and the love he shared with us will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Emir. You were truly one of a kind, and we will miss you more than words can say. Until we meet again.
With a loss so great there are no words to ease the pain.
I can only offer my heartfelt condolences.
Dear Sefika, my thoughts are with you and your family.
Tvoja svjetlost nikada neće prestati da sija kroz sjećanja koja čuvamo s ljubavlju. 🙏
Počivaj u miru. Neka te anđeli prate, a tvoje svjetlo zauvijek obasjava sve nas.
<3 <3 <3
Emir was so much more than a friend to me. Emir was there for me at my lowest and it saddens me that i will never be able to pay him back for all that he’s done for me. Beyond all, he was a shining beacon in many of our lives.
Rest in peace Emir. Forever my brother. Forever in our hearts. À la prochaine, mon Ami <3 <3
With disbelief and deep sorrow, I received the news that shook me to the core. I had the honor and immense fortune to meet Emir, one of those rare people whose kindness and light simply illuminate everything around them. During our meeting in Sarajevo, he left an indelible mark on my heart.
Emir was not just young, beautiful, and full of life – he was the embodiment of warmth, sincerity, and love. His smile, capable of brightening even the gloomiest day, now shines among the angels. His soul has found peace in the heavenly paradise, but his love will forever live in our hearts.
I extend my deepest condolences to his family, especially to my dear Šefika. In these painful moments, may your memories of him – his kindness, his smile, and his boundless love – bring you light and comfort. His spirit will forever live on through all those who loved him.
I appreciate every single moment we got to share and I’m grateful to have these amazing memories of you as my friend, my soccer teammate and you have been nothing less than a truly incredible person in my life.
Having met Emir and knowing him closely has been a huge blessing for myself. Knowing him for little time and being able to share moments through basketball and developing the a bond with him on the court has been an amazing honour.
He was more than just a teammate, but a brother to myself and our other teammates, friends, and family. To have heard that he had gone was something that I couldn’t imagine seeing happening.
Through countless fights, arguments and frustrations on the court, he was always there to help pick someone back up, no matter how far their head was down. He was our oldest member and he passed his knowledge down to those youth members who sought guidance. He was a role model and he will be missed deeply.
The first time we met Emir was in February 2016, a casual hangout at our friends’ house, his aunt Amela & uncle Almir. We hit it off immediately. At one point we were cueing up videos on YouTube. I bring up this seemingly banal tidbit because Iggy did something unintentionally funny while adding the next video, and the thing that sticks out in my mind all these years later is Emir’s chortling; the gleam in his ocean eyes, the delight in his laughter. He bore a striking resemblance to a handsome ’90s actor, I thought, something I mentioned to Emir, his aunt and uncle back in 2016. (Later that night Amela would impart some lovely words Emir had said about us, a detail that warmed our hearts.)
Iggy, Almir, Ian and I used to have regular Saturday mornings of soccer, and Emir would join us every now and again. There we’d be at Doyle oval in Avondale Heights, the sun beating down on us: a saturdayish blend of languid chatter, laughter, good-natured competitiveness, and post-play burgers at Grill’d. Emir ran and battled for the ball, his locks like spun gold in the sunshine. In the southern winter of 2016, we took Emir out for dinner one weeknight while his relatives were briefly overseas. As we conversed and cracked jokes over pasta, Emir—then a year into his degree—spoke of what he hoped to pursue and achieve with his uni studies, the types of places he saw himself working. He had a quiet grace about him and was perhaps overly polite, a little shy. Emir wasn’t boastful in any way, which only added to his character and generosity of spirit.
Emir, it feels unnatural to be writing this…and bruisingly unfair, too, because you should still be here in the world. You were a gentleman through and through. You were caring, smart, and had sweetness in spades. It was always a pleasure being in your orbit, hanging out and hearing your considered thoughts; seeing your warmth and kindness. You were all those things and, at the same time, so much more. It feels like we only scraped the surface of the depth of you and who you were as a compassionate, thoughtful young man.
To Emir’s parents, wider family and loved-ones—and, in particular, to his mother, Šefika—we are so sorry for your immeasurable loss and send our deepest, sincerest condolences once more. Nobody can fathom your anguish or know what you’re enduring. We’re conscious that words cannot provide any solace or relief from the paralysis of this unspeakably heart-wrenching time, even as we offer them here. We hope that, at the very least, they convey how we loved and cherished the moments we had with your beautiful, princely Emir whose light cannot be dimmed.
Dragi i mili Emire, počivaj u miru. Rest easy, you bright star.
My heart goes out to you my dear Šefika and your family during this time of grief.
I never met Emir as an adult, but I remember him as a lovely little boy.
I’ve been privileged to hear you share stories about him, each filled with love and affection.
May he rest in peace.
Ne postoji ništa sto može opisati ovu tugu i bol, niti donijeti utjehu tvojoj mami, tvojim najbližima, svima nama. Dragi Emire, zauvijek si u mom srcu i sjećanjima.
Sincere condolences to the family in the loss of your son, nephew and cousin. Emir was always a quiet wonderful caring person with a big smile. He will always be remembered. Rest in peace Emir ❤️ 🙏
Otišao si prerano, ostavivši za sobom prazninu koja se ne može ispuniti. Tvoja dobrota, mirnoća i toplina zauvijek će ostati u našim sjećanjima. Bio si ponos svoje majke, svjetlo u njenom životu i primjer dobrote i čestitosti svima oko sebe.
Draga naša Šefika, ne postoje riječi koje mogu ublažiti ovu tugu, ali znaj da si u našim mislima i srcima. Svojom ljubavlju i posvećenošću odgojila si izuzetnog sina, koji će zauvijek ostati dio svih koji su ga poznavali i voljeli.
Neka te sjećanje na njegov osmijeh i sve lijepe trenutke provedene s njim vodi kroz ovaj težak period. Uz tebe smo u svakom trenutku.
My dearest Emich,
As we try to understand and make any sense for this unbearable pain and impossible realisation that you are not with us anymore my dear, one thought, I’ve heard long time ago, came to my mind : “ They say , as long as there is someone on this Earth thinking of you and mentioning your name, you are not gone, you are still here with us.” .
I promise you my dear, that you will be with me, until my last breath on this earth and beyond..
I will be thinking of you ; thinking of the precious and wonderful time I shared with you; thinking of the way you enriched my life and made me aunty for the first time.
The pain is indescribable and unbearable for all of us, but none more than for your Mum Šefika and your Dad Mirsad.
But I would selfishly like to think that two of us have a special bond, bond from the day you were born , bond from the day you made your first steps with me, bond from the day you called me “Gaga” for the first time,
I love you forever and beyond, your Gaga!
Dok mi svi pokušavamo da shvatimo neshvatljivo; da nadjemo trunku smisla da objasni ovaj nepodnošljiv bol i nemogucu činjenicu da nisi sada sa nama; sjetih se jedne misli sto sam čula davno, davno, a ide ovako: “Sve dok ima neko na ovom dunjaluku ko ti pomnije ime i sjeća te se, ti nisi otišao; ti si još uvijek sa nama”
Ja ti obećavam dragi moj da ćes ti biti samom do mog zadnjeg daha na ovoj zemlji a i poslije toga.
Ja ću misliti na tebe; misliti na dragocjeno i predivno vrijeme koje sam dijelila sa tobom; misliti na način kako si ti oplemeni moj život, kako si ti mene prozvao tetkom po prvi put.
Bol je vjeruj mi neopisiva i nepodnošljiva za sve nas ali ni za koga vise nego za tvoje roditelje Šefiku i Mirsada.
Ali ja bih željela da budem malo sebična i da mislim da smo mi imali posebnu vezu; vezu od prvog momenta kada si se rodio; vezu od prvih koraka koje si napravio sa mnom; posebnu vezu od dana kada si me počeo zvati “Moja Gaga”.
Volim te zauvijek i poslije toga tvoja Gaga
22 Tributes
Ned Zeko Mujezinovic
In Loving Memory of Emir
It is with a heavy heart that I write this tribute to Emir, a wonderful young man who left us far too soon at just 29 years old. Emir was not only my ex-wife’s nephew but also a part of my family, and his passing leaves a void that words cannot fill.
Emir was an amazing kid, full of life, kindness, and potential. I had the privilege of sharing a unique bond with him—he once lived with me, and I had the honor of teaching him to drive. Those moments spent in the car, with his excitement, determination, and humor, are memories I will cherish forever.
He was more than just family, he was a friend, a confidant, and a bright light in all our lives. Emir had a way of bringing warmth and joy to everyone around him, and his spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched.
Though his time with us was far too short, Emir’s legacy will endure. I will always remember him, speak of him, and keep his memory alive in my heart. His kindness, laughter, and the love he shared with us will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Emir. You were truly one of a kind, and we will miss you more than words can say. Until we meet again.
Julie Godwin
So sad to hear this news. Such a lovely polite young man. RIP Emir.
Condolences to the family.
Kile
Toliko tuzno da svaka rijec postaje nedovoljna.
Šefiki i porodici iskreno saučešće
Vesna
With a loss so great there are no words to ease the pain.
I can only offer my heartfelt condolences.
Dear Sefika, my thoughts are with you and your family.
Nina Kovac
Rest in peace and sleep with angels dear Emir❤️
Sincere condolences to the family! Kovac family
Edo
Emir moj dragi. Srce me boli. You will always live in my heart and memories.
Amra
Samo tuga.
Minja
Za ovu bol nema riječi… Iskreno saučešće Šefika i obitelji
Nađa
Tvoja svjetlost nikada neće prestati da sija kroz sjećanja koja čuvamo s ljubavlju. 🙏
Počivaj u miru. Neka te anđeli prate, a tvoje svjetlo zauvijek obasjava sve nas.
<3 <3 <3
Etienne Jean
Gone way too soon.
Emir was so much more than a friend to me. Emir was there for me at my lowest and it saddens me that i will never be able to pay him back for all that he’s done for me. Beyond all, he was a shining beacon in many of our lives.
Rest in peace Emir. Forever my brother. Forever in our hearts. À la prochaine, mon Ami <3 <3
Goca
With disbelief and deep sorrow, I received the news that shook me to the core. I had the honor and immense fortune to meet Emir, one of those rare people whose kindness and light simply illuminate everything around them. During our meeting in Sarajevo, he left an indelible mark on my heart.
Emir was not just young, beautiful, and full of life – he was the embodiment of warmth, sincerity, and love. His smile, capable of brightening even the gloomiest day, now shines among the angels. His soul has found peace in the heavenly paradise, but his love will forever live in our hearts.
I extend my deepest condolences to his family, especially to my dear Šefika. In these painful moments, may your memories of him – his kindness, his smile, and his boundless love – bring you light and comfort. His spirit will forever live on through all those who loved him.
Evan M
I appreciate every single moment we got to share and I’m grateful to have these amazing memories of you as my friend, my soccer teammate and you have been nothing less than a truly incredible person in my life.
Love you always brother.
Alexandar Kastoriadis
In loving memory of Emir,
Having met Emir and knowing him closely has been a huge blessing for myself. Knowing him for little time and being able to share moments through basketball and developing the a bond with him on the court has been an amazing honour.
He was more than just a teammate, but a brother to myself and our other teammates, friends, and family. To have heard that he had gone was something that I couldn’t imagine seeing happening.
Through countless fights, arguments and frustrations on the court, he was always there to help pick someone back up, no matter how far their head was down. He was our oldest member and he passed his knowledge down to those youth members who sought guidance. He was a role model and he will be missed deeply.
Long live Emir 🕊️❤️🩹
Nevena & Igor Orlic
The first time we met Emir was in February 2016, a casual hangout at our friends’ house, his aunt Amela & uncle Almir. We hit it off immediately. At one point we were cueing up videos on YouTube. I bring up this seemingly banal tidbit because Iggy did something unintentionally funny while adding the next video, and the thing that sticks out in my mind all these years later is Emir’s chortling; the gleam in his ocean eyes, the delight in his laughter. He bore a striking resemblance to a handsome ’90s actor, I thought, something I mentioned to Emir, his aunt and uncle back in 2016. (Later that night Amela would impart some lovely words Emir had said about us, a detail that warmed our hearts.)
Iggy, Almir, Ian and I used to have regular Saturday mornings of soccer, and Emir would join us every now and again. There we’d be at Doyle oval in Avondale Heights, the sun beating down on us: a saturdayish blend of languid chatter, laughter, good-natured competitiveness, and post-play burgers at Grill’d. Emir ran and battled for the ball, his locks like spun gold in the sunshine. In the southern winter of 2016, we took Emir out for dinner one weeknight while his relatives were briefly overseas. As we conversed and cracked jokes over pasta, Emir—then a year into his degree—spoke of what he hoped to pursue and achieve with his uni studies, the types of places he saw himself working. He had a quiet grace about him and was perhaps overly polite, a little shy. Emir wasn’t boastful in any way, which only added to his character and generosity of spirit.
Emir, it feels unnatural to be writing this…and bruisingly unfair, too, because you should still be here in the world. You were a gentleman through and through. You were caring, smart, and had sweetness in spades. It was always a pleasure being in your orbit, hanging out and hearing your considered thoughts; seeing your warmth and kindness. You were all those things and, at the same time, so much more. It feels like we only scraped the surface of the depth of you and who you were as a compassionate, thoughtful young man.
To Emir’s parents, wider family and loved-ones—and, in particular, to his mother, Šefika—we are so sorry for your immeasurable loss and send our deepest, sincerest condolences once more. Nobody can fathom your anguish or know what you’re enduring. We’re conscious that words cannot provide any solace or relief from the paralysis of this unspeakably heart-wrenching time, even as we offer them here. We hope that, at the very least, they convey how we loved and cherished the moments we had with your beautiful, princely Emir whose light cannot be dimmed.
Dragi i mili Emire, počivaj u miru. Rest easy, you bright star.
Love from Nev & Iggy.
Magdalena
My heart goes out to you my dear Šefika and your family during this time of grief.
I never met Emir as an adult, but I remember him as a lovely little boy.
I’ve been privileged to hear you share stories about him, each filled with love and affection.
May he rest in peace.
Nerma
Ne postoji ništa sto može opisati ovu tugu i bol, niti donijeti utjehu tvojoj mami, tvojim najbližima, svima nama. Dragi Emire, zauvijek si u mom srcu i sjećanjima.
Ana R.
Sincere condolences to the family in the loss of your son, nephew and cousin. Emir was always a quiet wonderful caring person with a big smile. He will always be remembered. Rest in peace Emir ❤️ 🙏
Sanja
Poslednji pozdrav dragom Emiru
Otišao si prerano, ostavivši za sobom prazninu koja se ne može ispuniti. Tvoja dobrota, mirnoća i toplina zauvijek će ostati u našim sjećanjima. Bio si ponos svoje majke, svjetlo u njenom životu i primjer dobrote i čestitosti svima oko sebe.
Draga naša Šefika, ne postoje riječi koje mogu ublažiti ovu tugu, ali znaj da si u našim mislima i srcima. Svojom ljubavlju i posvećenošću odgojila si izuzetnog sina, koji će zauvijek ostati dio svih koji su ga poznavali i voljeli.
Neka te sjećanje na njegov osmijeh i sve lijepe trenutke provedene s njim vodi kroz ovaj težak period. Uz tebe smo u svakom trenutku.
Počivaj u miru, dragi Emire.
S ljubavlju i tugom,
Saša i Sanja
Maroje Marinkovic
Počivao u miru, dobri Emire.
Draga Šefika, nase duboko saučešće tebi i obitelji.
Maroje, Natasa, Djani, i Ella Marinkovic.
Aunty Gaga Amra
My dearest Emich,
As we try to understand and make any sense for this unbearable pain and impossible realisation that you are not with us anymore my dear, one thought, I’ve heard long time ago, came to my mind : “ They say , as long as there is someone on this Earth thinking of you and mentioning your name, you are not gone, you are still here with us.” .
I promise you my dear, that you will be with me, until my last breath on this earth and beyond..
I will be thinking of you ; thinking of the precious and wonderful time I shared with you; thinking of the way you enriched my life and made me aunty for the first time.
The pain is indescribable and unbearable for all of us, but none more than for your Mum Šefika and your Dad Mirsad.
But I would selfishly like to think that two of us have a special bond, bond from the day you were born , bond from the day you made your first steps with me, bond from the day you called me “Gaga” for the first time,
I love you forever and beyond, your Gaga!
Tetka Amra - Gaga
Moj najdraži Emiće,
Dok mi svi pokušavamo da shvatimo neshvatljivo; da nadjemo trunku smisla da objasni ovaj nepodnošljiv bol i nemogucu činjenicu da nisi sada sa nama; sjetih se jedne misli sto sam čula davno, davno, a ide ovako: “Sve dok ima neko na ovom dunjaluku ko ti pomnije ime i sjeća te se, ti nisi otišao; ti si još uvijek sa nama”
Ja ti obećavam dragi moj da ćes ti biti samom do mog zadnjeg daha na ovoj zemlji a i poslije toga.
Ja ću misliti na tebe; misliti na dragocjeno i predivno vrijeme koje sam dijelila sa tobom; misliti na način kako si ti oplemeni moj život, kako si ti mene prozvao tetkom po prvi put.
Bol je vjeruj mi neopisiva i nepodnošljiva za sve nas ali ni za koga vise nego za tvoje roditelje Šefiku i Mirsada.
Ali ja bih željela da budem malo sebična i da mislim da smo mi imali posebnu vezu; vezu od prvog momenta kada si se rodio; vezu od prvih koraka koje si napravio sa mnom; posebnu vezu od dana kada si me počeo zvati “Moja Gaga”.
Volim te zauvijek i poslije toga tvoja Gaga
Aleksandra
Jako teško, nemam riječki utjehe za familiju, prijatelje i poznanike.
Porodica Kapetanović, Sefika, Amela i Sejla su moje sestrice.
Moje najdublje i najbolnije saucesce.
Draga Sefika tebi želim snagu da izdržiš ovu bol, molim se za tebe, mislim na tebe svaki minut ovog i svakog sljedećeg dana.
Dragi Emire počivaj u miru 🙏 mi ćemo dati sve od sebe da tvoja mama bude uredu.