journ16

SHOCK DEATH OF CURLY MARICIC
South Australian pigeon racing is in a state of shock with the sudden death of Zika (Curly) Maricic in the first week of June.
Curly, who appeared to be in perfect health, died on the way home from a training toss. He was 69. Having released his birds safely, he became ill on the return journey, collapsing and dying at Two Wells in a manner not unlike his great mate John Pryor.It is believed he suffered a massive heart attack.
Curly was a classy soccer player in his youth and loved to coach younger players.
He flew pigeons for more than 40 years, firstly in the strong Port Adelaide federation from Royal Park and later with the North Suburban club where his name features frequently on the Honor Board.
His crowning glory came only last season when his courageous hen won the Cobar smash race in the SAHPA by two hours.It was as though his lifelong task had been achieved.
According to Curly, his early life in Serbia was tough. He never knew his mother who died when he was an infant.He was`raised by an elder sister.There was uncertainty about his exact date of birth. His father apparently had money but vanished, leaving the children to face life alone.
Needless to say, Curly jumped at the chance to migrate to Australia where he was fortunate to meet his future bride Dessie. He loved her dearly and they proudly raised two boys.
He worked at the railway workshop at Islington with numerous pigeon flyers which prompted his love of the homer.
He formed a close and trusting friendship with John Pryor. Each year they exchanged birds.As a result Curly's stock loft contains quite a few sons and daughters of Pryor's best birds.
Curly was at John Pryor's side when he died suddenly in Sydney. Ever since that day, Curly would hardly go a day without referral to his close mate.
He was a great personality and a generous host.He loved nothing more than talking pigeons over a glass or two.He'll always be remembered for his wry smile.
Days before his death, Curly remarked that "life could not be better". An auction of his birds will be announced shortly.