OLDRICH SLAMA

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OLDRICH (OLLIE) SLAMA Peacefully, with his family by his side, we announce the passing of Oldrich (Ollie) Slama on Monday, January 16, 2017 at the St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 85. Ollie was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Lorraine and is survived by his sons; Frank (Janet) and Gary (Susan) and grandchildren; Evan, Trevor and Justin. Ollie was an only child, born in 1931 in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Dad never spoke of those early years. Details were scarce, only a few pictures exist. Post Second World War, Czechoslovakia was initially fruitful for dad. He became an Olympic class skier, having an opportunity to qualify for the 1948 games before a training run broke both his legs. He raced motorcycles. He went to university. He was classically trained to be a tailor, following in his father's footsteps. The world was full of opportunities. However, it wasn't long before he was unable to fully realize these opportunities. As the German army left, the Russian occupation followed right behind. The changes in the country after the war ultimately changed his life forever. These changes did not allow private enterprise to develop. When his father told those in control that they would not give up all of their rights, dad was taken to a concentration camp as leverage. He managed to escape. When he showed up at home he was told that he could not stay as the authorities were looking for him. His father had made arrangements for him to have safe harboring in Berlin. When dad got to Berlin, those who were paid for the safe passage declined to see him. Dad was forced to live on the war torn streets of Berlin, sleeping in bombed out buildings, until immigration arrangements could be made. Canada was to become his new future. He was young, had a wealth of experience and yet he had no money, no clothes and couldn't speak any English. Dad, as he tells it, was dropped into Nakina, Ontario, a world away from what he knew. It wasn't until 1970 that he would see his parents again, when they too immigrated to Canada to be with him. Fast forward a few years and dad meets the love of his life, Lorraine, at a friend's wedding. They would have 57 wonderful years together. They did everything together. Private enterprise with corner stores and a Laundromat were an early venture. Later, travel and golf was the focus of their attention. Frequent trips to Arizona and Hawaii with friends were a common occurrence. Golf was in their DNA. If dad wasn't playing golf he was watching it. Club memberships were a must have. Life wasn't necessarily what you did but what you experienced. Mom and dad had the opportunity to return to Prague in 2013 so he could rekindle his childhood. It had been over 60 years since he had seen some of his friends. It also gave him the chance to meet family he never knew he had. Dad's life changed again less than two years ago when Lorraine lost her battle with lung cancer. These were two difficult years. He missed her dearly. In those last moments, through all the pain and anguish, we saw a faint smile come over his face. This is the moment that we knew they were reunited again. The family would like to acknowledge the kindness and attention that was provided by the nurses and caregivers of the Palliative care unit at the St. Boniface Hospital. The respect and sincerity they provided through this difficult time was a blessing. Based on dad's wishes, there will be no service. Funeral Arrangements in Care of: Wheeler Funeral Home, Cemetery & Crematorium 1800 Day Street - 204-224-1525 Please sign the book of memories at www.wheelerfuneral.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 21, 2017