In Memoriam - Boskovic.indd


Yet another dear colleague and friend, Mr. Dean Braco 
Bošković, a great man, has passed away. For years 
he was one of the leading people in the Institute of 
Geology Zagreb, a man whose work has, over time, left 
a significant impact on the status of our profession in 
Croatian society.

Allow us to briefly recollect the most important 
moments in his life.

He was born on April 11, 1929 to an old, traditional 
family of railwaymen in Selska street, in Trešnjevka, an 
old part of Zagreb where the working class used to live. 
He also completed his secondary school education in 
Zagreb.

From 1948 to 1950 he was a professional sportsman 
in many sport and gymnastic associations, but was 
equally dedicated to music, and as an amateur musician 
organised numerous musical events and festivals in 
Zagreb.

He enrolled at the School of Mining and Geo-
logy of Zagreb University, and graduated with an 
honours degree in 1957. As a student he worked as an 
undergraduate assistant in the Department of the Mine-
ralogy and Geology Institute and was fully committed 
to all activities conducted by the Institute – actively 
participating in field and laboratory work, in writing 
professional and scientific papers on geology, petrology, 
and mineral deposits.

After completing his studies he was appointed to 
the position of chief engineer for mining operations in 
the Sisak Steel Works, and in 1958 became Manager of 
the iron mine in Bešlinac and Bukovica, and of the coal 
mine at Tremušnjak. In 1960 he was appointed to the 
position of General Manager of the iron mine Ljubija 
where he worked until 1966 on reconstruction and 
investments operations.

Then, he was relocated to Zagreb, to the position 
of Assistant Director of the Institute of Geology and 
remained in office until 1975, when he became Director 
of the Institute himself. His next important position 
was Director of the Geological Survey of Croatia 
within the body which functioned at that time under the 
Committee for Science, Technology and Informatics. 
At the same time, while performing everyday routine 
jobs, he also published 37 studies in the field of 
planning, financing and organising geological research 
works. Along with his professional obligations, he 
was active in the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, in 
the Funds for Development of Science of the time, in 
various associations of Croatian geologists and mining 
engineers, where he continuously emphasised the 
paramount importance of geological research for the 
development of the Croatian economy. Among other 
things, he was one of the authors of the draft Law on 
Geological Research.

He paid exceptional attention to working conditions 
in the Institute, to modernisation of laboratories and 
research equipment, and achieved significant impro-
vement of all operations conducted by the Institute 
of Geology when, thanks to his endeavours, the new 
Institute headquarters was built on its present location 
in Sachsova street, Zagreb.

Dean Bošković was a member of the Croatian Geo-
logical Society, Society of Engineers and Technicians 
of Croatia, and Scientific Oil Council of the Croatian 
Academy of Sciences and Arts.

He retired on April 1, 1993.

His retirement did not dampen his enthusiasm 
and optimism, the two most dominant features of his 
character; he continued working in the Geological 

         Geologia Croatica            57/2       221–222                                                         ZAGREB 2004

IN MEMORIAM

Dean BOŠKOVIĆ, B.Sc.
1929–2003



222 Geologia Croatica 57/2

Survey as an adviser and associate; always full of ideas 
to benefit the profession, he remained a committed 
member of the geological community, a dear friend and 
colleague whose frequent visits to the Institute were 
always welcomed with joy and friendliness. Despite his 
numerous obligations he was always ready to provide 
help and assistance to his junior colleagues. Even in 
moments of personal tragedy he was able to overcome 
pessimism and sorrow and show great strength of 
character.

Devoted to his family, his children, and most of all 
to his grandchildren, his warmth and kindness appealed 
to all those who came in contact with him, in particular 
his younger colleagues to whom he often appeared as 
father and friend.

On behalf of all employees of the Institute of 
Geology, we would like to pay tribute to Mr. Bošković 
for all the achievements of his fruitful and generous 
career, and for everything he left as a legacy to be 
shared by his colleagues, friends and co-workers.

May he rest in peace! 

  Dubravko Matičec and Ivo Velić