Frank Stojdl
February 14, 2024
Frank, a man who embraced life with unwavering enthusiasm, passed away surrounded by the memories he cherished. His diverse interests spanned family, sports, and globetrotting adventures. Whether he was playing tennis, riding the waves while windsurfing, or pedaling through the scenic bike trails, Frank lived each moments to its fullest.
Even in the face of Parkinson’s disease, Frank remained resilient, his optimism shining through. He was a pillar of support for those around him, always ready with a smile and a hearty laugh. His “Joie de vivre” was contagious.
Frank leaves behind a legacy of love. His partner of 60 years and his best friend, Jana, stood by his side through thick and thin. To his family, he was the devoted father of Marek and David (Susan); a doting grandfather of Amelia, Nola and Sofia; a steadfast brother of Vladimira Grundbacher and brother-in-law of Ueli Grundbacher, Jaroslav Kohout and Milada Kohout; and a cherished uncle. Their hearts ache, but they find solace in the memories they shared.
Among Frank’s wide circle of friends and fellow sports enthusiasts, he was revered as an adventurous, playful and generous spirit. His absence will be deeply felt, but the camaraderie they shared will endure.
A Celebration of Frank’s remarkable Life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario – a cause that was close to Frank’s heart.
May his spirit continue to inspire us all. Rest in peace, dear Frank.
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Dear Jana, dear cousins and your families We, Jan, Bernadette and Leah Blue, would also like to bid farewell to Frank in silent sympathy. To my dear uncle on my mother's side, Frank I remember you from my mother's stories, when she told me about you, her older brother, whom she looked up to and who inspired her even as a child with his humor and experience, with his courage to leave something behind at crucial moments and set off for new shores, to create and build something from scratch with unshakeable confidence. I remember you as a constant traveler along with Jana, as a father of wonderful sons, as an active sportsman and as a person who was deeply connected to his loved ones, who was able to leave a lasting impression, comfort and a remarkable affirmation of life with his hearty laugh. These are immeasurably valuable gifts. Even when you knew that your usual reality would probably change dramatically as a result of your illness, you put your positive, humorous outlook on your fellow human beings. I remember your visit with Jana in Switzerland, encounters in Františkovy Lázně and some wonderful moments when we were able to visit you in Canada. And although we didn't have much contact apart from sporadic video calls on holidays at home, there is still a feeling of familiarity that you were able to give to everyone you spoke to. That is how I will remember you. Your nephew, Jan
Dear Jana, Marek, David, Susan, Amelia, Nola and Sofia Stojdl, Condolences to all of you as you grieve the passing of your much loved husband, father and grandfather. I only had the pleasure of meeting Frank once, for a short time, but his energy, zest for life and friendliness was quickly evident. He was so warm and welcoming with a wonderful laugh. I know from stories that Marek has shared, that Frank was a very brave and resourceful man. Having lost both of my parents, I find solace in remembering all of the wonderful times we had together. The stories of past adventures will keep the memories of Frank alive and will console you when the times get tough. In your reminiscences you will smile, shed a tear or two and even laugh. Our time on Earth with our loved ones is always too short, but every moment is precious. Thinking of you as you navigate through your grief. Much love to all of you. Marg
Dear Jana, dear cousins It's very sad to hear of uncle Franta's passing. He will live on in my memories as a positive-minded, strong personality with a good sense of humour. Someone to be inspired of. I'm glad I could visit all of you back in 2019 and see Franta in person.
We are so sorry to hear about Frank’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you Jana and your family. We will miss seeing him bike around Huron Woods with a big smile on his face. Sending love and hugs. Bill& Trudie
Dear Jana and family, Barb and I send you our deepest condolences. Frank was a man known for his love of sport and determination to enjoy life to its fullest. We will never forget seeing him carrying his windsurfer to the lake, walking with his weights, biking and playing his sport « par excellence » tennis. In tennis, he was at his best, never giving up, and pulling off the killer points needed to win the game. He was a fighter to the very end. The tennis group of Huron Woods so enjoyed his love of the sport, his competitiveness and sense of humour. Frank will be sorely missed by all of us, but not forgotten! Barb and Mitch Levis
Dave, Susan and girls. So sorry to learn about the sudden passing of your dad, father in law and grandfather. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Margy Vile , Sheldon, Noah and Owen Lepinsky
Dear Jana and relatives, we were saddened to hear from you of Frank‘s passing. Please receive our heartful condolences for your loss. Frank was (and remains) a shining example of positive thinking during his illness. He always remained interested in traveling and the well-being of his loved ones. We remember with great joy our meetings in the Czech Repulic, Canada and the USA, where we spent dozens of wonderful hours together eating, drinking, watching sunsets, discussing and traveling. May he, now on the other side of our reality, continue to travel and enjoy spiritual life free from illnesses. Jana, we wish you and your Families a lot of strength in these difficult times and hope to see you again soon to remember Frank together.
Dear Jana and family June and I send you our deepest sympathy and condolences, at the passing of our dear friend Frank. We will always remember Frank as a lover of life, and a for his indomitable spirit, during his fight with Parkinsons. He will always be remembered by his will to work against the disease, and keep on fighting it to the end. We cannot forget his impromptu visits on the trike, and he was always willing to enjoy a glass of wine with us whenever he came along!! He was definitely an inspiration to all of us who loved him and knew him, both on and off the tennis court! We will all take a page from Frank's book for his zest for life, and his fighting spirit, and his wonderful sense of humour! He will be truly missed.
Jana, I met you only recently but have enjoyed seeing you at book club. I am very sorry to hear of Frank's passing. I know that he has been by your side for three-quarters of your life as a cherished partner. I wish you strength ( which I know you have in abundance) at this time and send sincere condolences to you and your family. Terry Green
We are so very saddened to hear of Franks passing. As our next door neighbour we would often meet outside and enjoy a conversation that always ended with many smiles and lots of laughs. Despite his physical challenges he loved to be outside and on the beach or riding at great speed around the neighbourhood on his three wheeler bike. When he could no longer play tennis he still visited us on the court to tell us everything we were doing wrong. We miss you buddy.
A loss of a great community member. We so enjoyed our visits with him on Klaus and Helga Vockentanz’s back porch. His history stories plus his sense of humour were both interesting and entertaining. He remained positive throughout his struggles and frustration with Parkinson’s. A very decent and remarkable person. Thanks for the wonderful memories, Frank.
Jana and Family, I was so sorry to hear of Frank's passing. Please accept my condolences. Frank will not only be missed by his family and friends, but also by his neighbourhood. He didn't let Parkinson's stop him. We would often see him out cycling, heading to the tennis court and not so long ago, on his paddle board down at the lake. My connection to the two of you is a unique one; I purchased the house that you and Frank built and you became my neighbours just across the street! A piece of Frank will live on in both of our homes.
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Dear friends Thank you for your condolences.. Frank was the adventurous, active, sporty, fun guy full of life. His positive attitude and sense of humour even through his long affliction with Parkinson’s was not only inspiring but made the life with him constantly filled with awe. Frank was a great partner and father, taking care for our family through a difficult emigration/ escape from the communist Czechoslovakia to building our life in Canada. Always an enthusiastic, unwavering supporter of anything we want to try to accomplish with a wise advice and sense of humour. My family lost a great fan who kept us on the even keel through good or bad. I lost not only a partner but my best friend. We will miss him forever. We would like to invite you to an Open House to celebrate Frank’s life on May 4, 2024 from 2 pm to 5 pm at Huron Woods clubhouse. Please just bring your memories. An RSVP to the email in the attached photo would be appreciated Jana & Family
~ Jana Stojdl and Family