Obituary of Jan Steinsky-Sehnoutka

JAN STEINSKY-SEHNOUTKA Jan Steinsky-Sehnoutka died peacefully at The Scarborough General Hospital on Thursday, October 27th, 2011. His life mirrored the dramas of Central European history through the 20th century. He was born on August 7, 1920 in the town of Cernozice in the then newly established Czechoslovakia, the eldest grandson and son of wealthy scions of the textile industry. His life was changed dramatically by the Second World War and its aftermath. His father's factories were nationalized in 1945 and the family steadily lost its property with the coming of a Communist government, culminating in a dramatic escape in 1949 to save their lives Arriving in Canada in April 1950, Jan diligently supported his family in his newly adopted country with a family business, Avebla Limited, which manufactured venetian blinds and draperies. Jan was actively engaged with the Czech-Canadian community through his support of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and the Masaryk Memorial Institute. He spent many relaxing times in his country house in Horseshoe Valley, where the landscape provided myriad subjects for his interest in photography. Of great satisfaction was his ability to return to the Czech Republic after his retirement after the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall. In 1991, with Czech laws enabling restitution of assets nationalized after the 1948 Communist coup, Jan travelled frequently on long sojourns to his country of birth. He claimed back a substantial portfolio of his father's personal assets, and spent the early years of his retirement managing them and entertaining his friends and employees there with gossip and stories of the "old days". Most enjoyable was the reconnection with friends, including many Rotarians, in Hradec Kralove, the city where he grew up. A highlight was the 1995 celebration with family and friends of Jan's and spouse Georgina's 50th wedding anniversary in the landmark Steinsky Palace constructed by his father for the City of Hradec Kralove. When poor physical health curtailed his travel, he remained in touch from Canada by phone with his Czech network wanting to hear the latest news about social, economic and political developments. He spent his last 5 years as a resident of the Cardinal Ambrozic Homes at Providence Healthcare where staff frequently commented on his pleasant disposition, his "old country" good manners and his continuing curiosity about current events and gossip . Jan was predeceased by his brothers Rudolf and Cyril and, in 2006, by his wife of 60 years, Georgina. He leaves behind three children and their spouses, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild - as well as a number of kind and gentle caregivers who were an important part of his last years. Thanks in particular to Lorna, Rhea, and Shirley of Progressive Eldercare, and all the staff at Providence who enhanced the quality of his later life. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Monday, October 31st. Funeral Mass will be held in ST. ANSELM'S CHURCH, 1 MacNaughton Road, Toronto on Tuesday, November 1st at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jan's name would be welcome to Providence Healthcare or the St. Wenceslaus Czech Catholic Church. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.