Obituary of Emerich Josef Otakar Kaspar

EMERICH JOSEF OTAKAR KASPAR (1937-2005) Passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 18 in the company of family and friends. Emerich fought a long and courageous battle with cancer starting in 2001 that left him physically weakened but spiritually strengthened. His health took a turn for the worse in recent months after several bouts with pneumonia, the last having taken him from us prematurely. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Drahoslava, his daughter, Romana, his son, Emerich, and grandsons Jacob and Joshua. He is also survived by his sister, Jarmila, and brother, Jiri. Emerich, lumber engineer and 3rd generation piano manufacturer emigrated with his family to Canada in 1968 and unknowingly embarked on a fruitful and rewarding journey. Emerich committed a large part of his life to the pursuit of art and art collecting and art rewarded him equally in return. When he first established his gallery in Yorkville in 1973, he could not have foreseen meeting and befriending the numerous wonderful people that were to play such an important role in his life over the next three decades. His passion had surrounded him with both artists and art collectors; professionals and enthusiasts alike, and for this he was always grateful. He was both businessman and gentleman and loved to share his extensive knowledge of Canadian and International art wherever he was. He was very thankful for the close group of friends with whom he shared much of his success and happiness as an Art Dealer. His family will forever remember him for his copious love, his commitment and loyalty as husband and father, and his grand ambitions in everything he undertook. He has left us with a large pair of shoes to fill but taught us how to find the way. He will be greatly missed. Respects may be made at THE ROSEDALE UNITED CHURCH (416) 924-0725 159 Roxborough Drive, Toronto, on Friday, September 30, 2005. Visitation begins at 4:00pm. Service commences at 5:00 with a reception on the premises to follow for all family and friends. In lieu of flowers, DONATIONS in memory of Emerich can be pledged to The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation at (416) 946-9275. Immeasureable thanks must be given to the doctors and staff who treated Emerich while in their care.