In memoriam Ivan Petelin (29 8 1940-5 1 2019)

Ivan Petelin was a popular musician within the Slovenian Community in Australia, who was the accordion player in the now legendary Quintet Bled for 16 years. He passed away after a long illness at the Caritas Christi Hospice in Kew, Victoria on the 5th of January 2019. Ivan was born in the town of Krško in the Dolenjska region of Slovenia on the 29th of August, 1940. He was a very passionate, genuine and friendly person and a proud Slovenian who loved his family with all his heart! Ivan's funeral was held on the 14th of January 2019 at the Saints Cyril and Methodius Slovenian Church in Kew where his band mates played one last Avsenik song at his open coffin. Ivan's nephew, Frank Petelin, along with Frank's brother in law, Peter Grivic and Ivan's long time friend and band member, Branko Kojc also played another Avsenik song next to his open grave as a final farewell to a man who was loved and respected by so many! We dedicate this special tribute to Ivan Petelin, who is regarded by many as one of the pioneers of Slovenian folk music in Australia. He and his fellow band members in Quintet Bled brought so much joy to the new Slovenian migrants arriving in Australia half a century ago, who so longed to here Slovenian music being played under the Southern Cross! We extend our sincerest condolences to the Petelin Families in Melbourne, Ivan's wife Jožica, twin daughters, Susie and Jenny and their families. May Ivan rest in God's peace.

In memoriam Ivan Petelin Source: SBS Slovenian