Vasko Tomulevski, “the Soul of Ljubojno,” dies at 44
Tomulevski was killed in a motorcycle crash on 9 August; he led local campaigns to save Ljubojno and promoted cross‑border ties.
Vasko Tomulevski, widely known in his community as “the Soul of Ljubojno,” was buried today in the village cemetery of Ljubojno. He was 44 years old and died in a traffic accident on 9 August when, while riding a motorcycle, he lost control and ran off the road.
For years Tomulevski ran the village shop and a crossroads restaurant that became a meeting point not only for Ljubojno but for the wider Prespa region. He used those spaces to organise events, gatherings and environmental actions aimed at keeping village life alive.
Local campaign stopped planned clear‑cutting
He was a leading member of the grassroots group “We All Love Ljubojno,” which staged daily protests for four months and ultimately halted a plan for large‑scale clear‑cutting in the monastery forest. Activists credit that campaign with preventing erosion, flood risk and other harms that threatened the village.
Tomulevski also served as the primary contact between Ljubojno and visiting journalists, frequently proposing initiatives to bring media attention to the village. He openly hoped that improved connections would help revive the area and its small tourism economy.
“With my friend Vasko Tomulevski — the Soul of Ljubojno, we dreamed of the day when borders would no longer separate us. The day when people from the three sides could meet freely, cooperate, create and share the beauty and richness of this unique place. I will remember our friendship, our shared dreams and a Prespa that taught us that, despite borders, people can always be close,” wrote his friend and tourism worker Vasilopoulos Stratos from Greece on social media.
His death leaves Ljubojno without one of its most vocal defenders; residents say the village’s efforts to survive and recover will continue in his memory.
Zh. Zdravkovska
Photo: СДК.МК)
