Miroslav O. W. Spacek

Dr. Miroslav Otokar Wilson Špaček of North Head, Grand Manan Island passed away at the Grand Manan Hospital Tuesday August 16, 2011. Born October 8, 1918, in the fading days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire; christened by his uncle, Václav, on his father’s birthday November 24, 1918 in the newly formed Czechoslovakia. Along with his twin sister, Fany, he spent long periods on the island of Grado at the ages of seven and eleven recuperating from childhood illnesses and Prague winters.  This instilled a lifelong love of islands fortified at the age of 15 by a stay on Isle de Re.  Fishing boats, ferries, tides, wharves and breakwaters formed a peaceful background to his life in early 20^th century Europe.  He loved the smell of the sea and lived much of his life in Canada near the shores of the Bay of Fundy and Lake Superior. Predeceased by his parents, Ladislav and Milena (Krajníková) and by his siblings Ladislav, Antonín, Milena and Františka, he is survived by wife Marjorie (Fallon); beloved sons Peter (Sharon) and Richard (Joanne Smyth); grandchildren Boris, Lucia, Jodi, Tina, Stuart, Nicholas, Carrie and Alexander; daughter-in-law Valerie Donovan; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. The family is deeply appreciative of the kind care provided by the staff of the Grand Manan Hospital during his final days.

At his request his body has been dedicated to the Department of Anatomy, Dalhousie University. Visiting hours for Dr. Špaček will be held from Ells Funeral Home on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm.  A Mass to celebrate Dr. Špaček’s life will be held from St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church on Saturday August 20, 2011 at 11:00 am with Father Rolando Suplido officiating. A reception will followand all are welcome and invited to attend.  Dr. Špaček’s family has requested donations may be made to Action Ministries. Funeral arrangements are in care of ELLS FUNERAL HOME, 1199 Route #776, Grand Manan, N.B. E5G 1G2. Condolences, messages of sympathy also may be sent to: www.ells.ca or 506-662-3116.