Obituary of KASPAR – Zbislav

November 4, 1932 – April 30, 2011 It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of Zbislav (Biz) Kaspar at the age of 78. Zbislav will be lovingly remembered by his wife of fifty six years Alena; son Zbysek (Frank) and daughter-in-law Susan; grandchildren, James, Jonathan, Dana, Gaelan, Adrian and his wife Kelsey. Zbislav was born in 1932 in Brno Czechoslovakia, the only child of Ferdinand Kaspar and Marie Kasparova, where he was educated as an architect. He was a natural academic and talented in all aspects of visual art and music. His career was rewarded by architectural awards and client accolades. Zbislav was committed to freedom of expression. In 1968, after the invasion of his country by the Soviet Union forces, Zbislav made the decision to remove himself and his family from that oppressive system, leaving behind all of their possessions, life savings and a prominent career. They escaped to Vienna where they were given the opportunity to start a new life in Canada. When a flight to Canada became available on Friday, December 13th, many travelers declined to go because of superstition. Zbislav accepted the flight with enthusiasm and ever since Friday the 13th was celebrated by the family as a lucky day. Learning English and working menial jobs during the first several years, Zbislav lead his family through hard work and conviction and reclaimed his status as a professional architect. He was a proud member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and the Alberta Association of Architects and practised architecture with Abugov Kaspar for over twenty years. Zbislav had many hobbies. He had a great passion for reading, music, photography and travel. Zbislav’s curiosity led him to seventy five different countries with his wife who shared his passion for travel. They were devoted to their friends and enjoyed dinner parties and cultural events tremendously. Perhaps his greatest attribute was his zest for life and love of his family. Zbislav (Papa) was a very committed grandfather who actively participated in his grandchildren’s care and activities. He patiently spent hours with every single one of them, playing games or just listening to their stories. He will be missed at the weekly family dinners. Zbislav lived a full life right to the end despite a multitude of ailments. In the last two years he fell in love with Mexico and the kind people there. On a recent visit, as his health was failing him, he decided to leave some of his things behind and told everyone that they will be there for “when I come back.” Zbislav passed away in his home in the arms of his loving wife Saturday, April 30, 2011. Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway’s Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive SW) on Friday, May 13, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, 2888 Shaganappi Trail N.W., Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Telephone: (403) 955-8818 or to the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta, Suite 302, 609 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 2A1, www.kidscancercare.ab.ca . In living memory of Zbislav Kaspar, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 Elbow Drive SW Telephone: (403) 243-8200.