Dalibor “Cheerful Norman” Vokac AKAD. ARCH. ING. passed away on Tuesday March 20th, 2018 while riding his bicycle near his home. No one was at fault and no one else was injured.
A distinguished architect, Dalibor began his career in the Czech Republic as a member of the “SIAL Kindergarten” group. He continued his career in Toronto, Canada at Zeidler Partnership Architects for over 25 years, retiring as partner in 2009. His most notable projects include
Ještěd, Czech Republic, La Tête Défense Competition-Paris, Torre Major-Mexico City, GO Station Train Shed revitalization-Toronto.
An avid skier, cyclist and car enthusiast, Dalibor loved life in the fast lane and hated garden gnomes, trivial matters and small talk. He died following a full season of skiing, still driving his supe’d up rally car too fast, training his young lab, Remus, watching his grandson Roman every weekend at his ski lessons, and he had just begun to ride his bike as winter gave way to spring.
Though all that knew him would’ve wanted many more years in his company, he passed at just the right time—he was not one to grow old.
Dalibor is survived by his beloved wife and fellow intrepid adventurer of 40 years, Ludmila Vokac, and was the proud father of Magdalena (Christopher) and Barbora (Brendan). He treasured his time with his grandson, Roman – two mischievous souls who encouraged one another’s impish pursuits. Dalibor and his older brother Jiří were able to share a tender relationship in their later years, despite being on opposite sides of the Atlantic. Dali will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered by friends and family from Toronto, Collingwood, “The Island” and in the Czech Republic.
A visitation will be held in Dali’s honour at the Toronto Necropolis on Saturday, March 24th from 3-5pm, however a private toast with a glass of quality red wine or a pilsner for those unable to attend would suit him just fine.
In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Canadian Ski Patrol (skipatrol.ca) and IPLAN (Immigrant Professionals Leveraging Architectural Knowledge for New Opportunities) by making a donation to JVS Toronto’s Newcomers Services Fund and indicate “IPLAN” when making your donation. (www.jvstoronto.org/give-back/donate/)