The wife of a man who was founded stabbed to death at Warana has penned a heartfelt tribute to her husband.
Zdravko Bilic, 57, was found dead in the front yard of his Warana home on Monday night, with two teenagers now charged with his murder.
Mr Bilic’s wife Gry Tomte wrote the following piece following his tragic death:
“Zed was my entire world for 28 years.
And the void he leaves behind is unbearable.
From the moment we met, both of us living away from family in the new country we had fallen in love with, we knew instantly we were each others’ “person”.
We were complete opposites – and together we made a whole.
People say I’m the strong one – but I could only be strong because he allowed me to be, and because he wrapped his arms around me daily to make sure I could.
He selflessly, and with much pride, stood in the shadow and pushed me forward.
But apart from being my world, and that of his family and close friends, he was so much to others too.
He was an avid soccer fan – he’d fly down to go to matches with his close group of friends – in 10 years I think he missed two Melbourne Victory games!
He was the MLP (most loved person) in his soccer teams – both in Melbourne and on the Sunshine Coast. And he loved them right back.
He was the kind of friend who would drop everything to help anyone. And even if you weren’t his friend, if he saw you on the street he’d smile, have a chat – and if you needed help he’d treat you the same way.
He was the kind of man who on several occasions would quickly detour when we saw a lost dog – whether on a bike or in a car – and without hesitation footy tackle them to stop them in their tracks to make sure we could get them home safely to their families.
He was loved by more people than I can put into words.
As one of our neighbours said yesterday, “No offence Gry but he was the whole street’s favourite person.”
No offence taken…
I believe though, that his biggest legacy is the one he leaves behind in the work he did with Ginger Sport.
Coach Zed as he was known, he was an exceptional male role model for the kids he worked with at the early childhood centres up here on the Coast.
Whether we were walking on the beach, going to the mall, or visiting the zoo – there would always be a little, enthusiastic excited voice yelling “Coach Zed, Coach Zed!”.
It was so clear to me and everyone who saw this, that he was a superhero to the little kids he worked with.
The numerous messages I’ve received from teachers and parents of “his kids” sums it up perfectly:
“He lights up the room with his energy, vibrance, kindness, humour and passion as a coach and a male figure to the children.
We are so blessed to have worked with him.
What an honour and a privilege.
He will be missed by the children who are constantly asking for him and looking forward to seeing him.
“Stinky socks” they tease each other.
His patience, next level.”
If you’ve had the privilege of being in Zed’s presence, you’ll know that he was literal sunshine.
And the world is a little less bright without him in it.”
