The Daylesford community is mourning the loss of one of its favourite sons after the recent sudden death of Istra owner and former Daylesford Football Club president Bernie Jurcan.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
There has been an outpouring of grief from the food and hospitality industry around the country since news of his passing surfaced a fortnight ago.
While it was his parents Livio and Lidia who established the business in Musk 20 years ago, in recent years Mr Jurcan had transformed the backyard operation into one of Victoria’s most respected producers.
Among the company’s many customers was Ballarat favourite The Forge Pizzeria. Owner Chris Matthews said Mr Jurcan’s passion for his product had gained national recognition, and had inspired other small businesses throughout the region.
“He didn’t seem like he was in it for the money, he was just passionate about what he did,” Mr Matthews said. “You can see his product on menus around Australia where people promote it because you know if you see Istra you’re getting quality.”
Mr Jurcan, 35, also had a long career on and off the field for Daylesford in both the Ballarat and Central Highlands football leagues.
As president of the club he helped oversee the $1.9 million overhaul of the Bulldogs’ home Victoria Park.
During the past week the club’s rooms were opened up to members of the community to meet and share memories as well as to speak with club chaplain.
Hepburn coach and longtime friend Jason Olver said the football fraternity respected him not only as a club manager, but also as one of the league’s genuine nice guys.
“In a business sense he worked his backside off and still managed to find time to run a football club very successfully,” Mr Olver said.
“When Bernie took over (as Daylesford president) he was always a pleasure to deal with and he was a great sounding board, it didn’t matter that we were from different clubs.”
Mr Jurcan’s funeral will be held at St Peter’s Catholic Church in Daylesford at 1pm Wednesday.