In memoriam Valentin Lenko (6.2.1936-5.7.2018).

The Slovenian Community in Melbourne mourns the passing of Valentin Lenko, who passed away peacefully at home in the early hours of July 5th 2018 after a long battle with illness aged 82. He was an active, popular and respected member of the Slovenian Community. Valentin was born in Ljubno ob Saviniji in Slovenia on February 6th, 1936. He married his wife Tilka (nee Mavrič) in 1960. They migrated to Australia in 1968 with 3 children and settled in Melbourne. 3 more children were born in Australia. The family became active within the Slovenian Community soon after arriving in Australia, particularly at the Slovenian Association Planica, where Valentin was a foundation member. He also became the first president of Planica's hunting and fishing club. Valentin was also very involved at the Saints Cyril and Methodius Slovenian Catholic Mission in Kew, as a member of the church and men's choirs, pastoral council and helping with maintenance around the church. In 2012, Valentin and Tilka Lenko were awarded special recognition from the Victorian Government for their many years of voluntary work within the Slovenian Community in Melbourne. Valentin was a very proud and patriotic Slovenian and became actively involved in the movement for Slovenian independence and international recognition in Australia in the early 1990s. He was actively involved within the Slovenian National Council of Victoria, and was treasurer of that organization for many years. Valentin was overjoyed when Slovenia declared independence in June 1991, and 7 months later granted formal diplomatic recognition by his newly adopted homeland, Australia in January 1992. He visited Slovenia on numerous occasions where he has two sisters, living in the very picturesque Upper Savinja Valley. Two of his brothers have already passed away, along with a sister, who died as an infant. Valentin was an avid hunter, gardener and bee keeper. He loved being outdoors, travelling, and he always looked forward to holidays with his family and going on trips around Australia and overseas with Slovenian community groups. In 2010, Valentin was diagnosed with cancer and he battled the disease for the next 8 years, whilst still trying to enjoy an active social life with his family and many friends. His funeral, which was attended by a large number of mourners was held on July 10th at the Saints Cyril and Methodius Slovenian Church in Kew, after which he was laid to rest at the Springvale Cemetery. Valentin is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Tilka, their 6 children, 16 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. May Valentin Lenko rest in God's peace.

Source: SBS Slovenian