Marko Godina was born into a tumultuous era marked by wartime challenges in Ljubljana, Slovenia 1943. He was separated from his parents and lived in several foster homes at a young age. Despite these adversities, he excelled academically in pursuing a medical degree in Croatia. Following his study, he travelled to the UK and USA to refine his reconstructive microsurgery skill. His ground breaking work was built upon a unique personal surgical experience encompassing 826 microvascular free tissue transfers performed within seven years, from 1976 to 1983. His seminal thesis, focusing on microsurgical reconstruction of complex trauma to extremities, revolutionised treatment approaches advocating for immediate free flap coverage of compound lower limb defects within 72 hours of injury. Furthermore, Godina's innovative techniques, including the use of end-to-side arterial anastomoses and the development of novel flap procedures, garnered international acclaim. Godina became world renowned after he pioneered a temporary ectopic implantation of an amputated hand to the axilla to salvage a mutilated upper extremity, which he re-transplanted back to the stump two months later in 1985. His life was tragically cut short in a car accident in 1986. Nonetheless, his work and achievement left a lasting impact in the reconstructive world. In a tribute published by JP Hong in the Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Journal, Godina's legacy is summarised in five qualities that every reconstructive surgeon aspires to embody - appreciation of the journey, passion for work, sharing knowledge and friendship, humility and innovation.