Jun 26, 1938 - Jun 12, 2024

• Miroslav Racansky

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Miroslav (Miro) Racansky on June 12, 2024, two weeks short of his 86th birthday. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

 

Beloved husband of Viera (nee Korinkova), devoted father of George/Yuri (Rae-Anne Larkin) and Andrea (Kevin Thomson) and cherished grandfather of Gabrielle, Ella, Eli and Camilla. He was the treasured brother of Mark (Daria) and Luba (the late Robert), and his late siblings; Eva, Vladimir, Stan, and Igor (Janet Jeffrey). A favourite uncle to his many nieces and nephews.

 

Miro was born on June 26,1938 to Gabriel Racansky and Anna (nee Wechsberg) in Klubina, in the former Czechoslovakia. When Soviet led troops invaded Czechoslovakia in 1968, Miro, together with his wife and young son, left their country to start a new life in Toronto, Canada. A skilled engineer, great leader and gifted communicator, he was very successful in his profession, becoming the general manager of several car manufacturing companies in Canada and Europe. Larger than life, full of energy and passion, he loved to discuss history, politics and current affairs. With a mischievous sparkle in his eyes he was funny and engaging. He loved people, and people loved him in return.

 

He cherished his family above all else, fiercely supporting and protecting them at all times. He was a pillar of strength for the entire family, and he loved to share his wisdom with his children and grandchildren, helping to guide them in the right direction. His lectures were legendary and will forever stay in his grandchildren’s memories. Extraordinarily generous and giving, Miro selflessly offered a helping hand to family and friends countless times. He had a green thumb, and spent many hours tending to his garden. His garden was his sanctuary where he was able to escape the stresses of daily life.

 

Miro will stay forever in our hearts and memories.

 

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Derek Jonker for his extraordinary care during Miro’s long illness, Dr. Regine Krechowicz for her great compassion in his last weeks, as well as to countless others in The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre.

 

The family will hold a private funeral service according to Miro’s wishes. To honour his memory, please consider planting a tree in his honour through A Living Tribute or make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.