Two years ago, on June 27, 1989, the distinguished writer Bogdan Čiplić was laid to rest in Belgrade, at the "Lešće" cemetery, at the age of 79. The burial site and the ceremony itself were very modest, reflecting Čiplić’s own humble way of life.
Alongside people from Novi Bečej, who came to represent his hometown, a few of his fellow citizens now living in Belgrade also attended—around twenty people in total. Among them, a special place was held by Stevan Lekić, a stonemason originally from Novi Bečej, who had been living in Belgrade since the early postwar years.
Steva, four years older than Bogdan, was a renowned master of his craft and respected among Belgrade's stonemasons. He deeply admired Bogdan Čiplić—not only for his literary work but also as a distinguished native of Novi Bečej. It may seem unusual to highlight a stonemason in this context, but Steva Lekić proved himself to be much more than an ordinary man.
When he read the news about Bogdan’s death and learned that the burial would take place at the newly established and still undeveloped "Lešće" cemetery, Steva, despite being over eighty, rose to the occasion. Using his reputation, he expressed his dissatisfaction to the management of the New Cemetery in Belgrade, arguing that a man of Čiplić’s stature deserved to be laid to rest among the honored citizens at the New Cemetery. Thanks to his intervention, the cemetery administration agreed, and it was announced during the funeral that Bogdan’s remains would later be transferred to a family plot at the New Cemetery, where his parents were also buried. This transfer took place at the end of July 1989.
The funeral was organized and financed by Matica Srpska, to which Bogdan had bequeathed his modest estate. Representing Matica Srpska was Secretary Dr. Dušan Popov. Unfortunately, there were no representatives from the literary committee, even though, considering Čiplić’s prolific work and significance, the attendance of the entire committee—and perhaps even the president of Matica Srpska—would have been appropriate. This absence was not only a shortcoming of Matica Srpska but also of other institutions where Bogdan had worked, such as the Novi Sad Gymnasium, the Serbian National Theatre, and the newspaper "Dnevnik."
Bogdan Čiplić was one of the older and more prolific writers from Vojvodina, never forgetting his roots. His literary themes remained deeply tied to his homeland. This reflection is not intended as a judgment but rather as an expression of personal sorrow from one of his younger friends and admirers.
At the funeral, Secretary Dr. Dušan Popov delivered a eulogy on behalf of Matica Srpska. Bogdan’s friend, writer Laza Lazić from Sombor (now living in Belgrade), also spoke warmly about his life and work. Writer Ivan Ivanji paid tribute by recalling Čiplić’s courage and humanity in enrolling him in the Novi Sad Gymnasium, even though Ivanji had no official school records at the time. Lastly, Branislav Bata Kiselički spoke on behalf of the people of Novi Bečej.
Thus, in a modest and deeply moving ceremony, a great and humble man was farewelled—with Stevan Lekić ensuring that his final resting place was fitting for the legacy he left behind.
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