*VLADARS, Josef* -
[image: Vladars_Josef]Josef left this earth on April 25, 2014 for his final
journey to be with his loving wife Maria and Heavenly Father. During a
lifespan of 87 years, Josef lived life to the fullest!
He was born in Dittersdorf, Czechoslovakia on November 7, 1926 to his
parents Josef and Marie. As he grew up on the family farm in Silesia, he
would often be found daydreaming of adventures he wished to take. Those
adventures began as a young soldier during WWII and eventually a prisoner
of war in France. Once he escaped and found amnesty in 1946, he travelled
and ultimately pursued passage to Canada to start a new life. He met and
fell in love with his devoted wife Maria during their ocean passage and
married shortly after arrival. Their life together spanned 60 years and
they raised five children. Josef pursued a career of education and was a
teacher for over thirty years. He retired from Cameron Heights Collegiate
in 1992. Josef, a longstanding member of Hope Lutheran Church was a devout
Christian and shared his faith with many. He was generous with his time and
love. He was a mentor to thousands and a friend to more. Josef was
dedicated to his family and had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and
adventure. His love of nature rang through in his conversations, teachings
and photographs; he was a true naturalist. He was a storyteller
extraordinaire and often left you wanting to hear more.
Josef lost Maria on June 17, 2013 and is survived by his children Josef
(Pat), Diana (Dave), Sylvia (Robert), Richard, and Anita (Hans). Proud and
inspirational Opa to Michael (Ashley), David, Matthew, Emma, Leigh, Peter,
Elizabeth, Ross, Samantha, Anna, Eva and Opapa to Sadie. Predeceased by his
sister Anna of Czechoslovakia and sister-in-law Theresia Ungar of Aylmer.
Survived by his sister Miki of Czechoslovakia, brothers-in-law Michael and
John (Rosi) of Aylmer, and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial Service will be conducted at *Hope Lutheran Church*, 30 Shaftsbury
Drive, Kitchener on Monday, May 5, 2014 at 11 am, immediately followed by a
reception at the church and interment. Cremation has taken place.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Children of Promise
International for Sudanese Orphans or the Young Adult Ministry of Hope
Lutheran Church.
The Vladars family is grateful to all of the health care professionals,
especially Esther, Monang, Yung, Bridgette, Sandra and Jodie, who worked
with us to provide care to our father allowing him to remain in his home
for his final days.