Vladimir (Ady) Sebestian, P.Eng (May 24, 1927 - Oct 15, 2025)

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Vladimir (Ady) Sebestian, beloved husband, father and grandfather at the laudable age of 98. He passed very peacefully, surrounded by his family. Ady will be deeply missed by his son Ivan, daughter Tania, son-in-law David and his cherished grandchildren Matthew and Jessica. He was predeceased by his adored wife Magda by just ten days.
Ady was the personification of resilience, strength, courage, humour, wisdom and kindness in the face of unimaginable adversity. He was born in the city of Brno in former Czechoslovakia into a loving Jewish home, cherished by his parents and a large extended family. His father, Vojtech (Bela) was a well-known and respected medical doctor and his mother, Gizella taught piano through the conservatory. Ady was a bright and curious child who loved learning and showed early promise on the violin. He was encouraged to develop his musical gifts and became a serious and dedicated violin student. Life was not all study and practice, though; there was plenty of fun and good times with his friends and cousins.
In March 1939, Nazi Germany invaded Czechoslovakia and this marked the beginning of the end of Ady’s happy and normal childhood. The day after the occupation, Ady’s father was arrested and imprisoned along with other ‘intellectuals’ who were identified as anti-fascist. He was held in prison for eight months. When he was finally released, Ady, his parents and grandmother fled to Ungvar, which was controlled by Hungary at the time. Ady attended a Jewish high school, and the family tried to keep a low profile. It was not ideal, but they coped as best as they could. By the end of 1943 the situation deteriorated drastically. Jews were forced to wear a yellow star, school was cancelled and by the spring of 1944, the entire Jewish population of Ungvar was rounded up waiting for transport. Ady and his father survived four concentration camps; his mother and grandmother did not make it home. Father and son were liberated by American troops in May 1945; the army cook made a special birthday cake for Ady on his 18th birthday.
When the nightmare finally ended, Ady and his father returned to Brno to rebuild their lives. Ady was asked to tutor the niece of one of his father’s patients who was visiting the city. A pretty 16 year-old student named Magda who needed help with her chemistry exam. It is unclear how much learning occurred, but chemistry was certainly in the air! They lived and studied in separate cities for a few years, connected by letters and music. Ady recorded his gorgeous Bach violin concertos and sent the tapes to his love. They married in 1949. 76 beautiful years together!
Following the tragic loss of his wife in the war, Ady’s father remarried and had another son. Despite the 20-year age difference, Ady and his brother Peter were always very close. Ady also enjoyed a very good relationship with his stepmother, Bozenka.
After the war, Ady faced a career crossroad; violinist or engineer? At the end, pragmatism won. Ady graduated from the Brno University of Technology as an electrical engineer in 1950. He was very skilled in his work, respected and well-liked by his colleagues. Ady never lost his passion for his violin however and was making beautiful music well into his eighties.
August 1968 marked another major turning point for Ady. Three weeks after the Soviet army invaded Czechoslovakia, he and Magda, along with her mother Aurelia (Aranka) and the kids, packed up the small family car and fled across the border to Austria. Several weeks later, after considering their options, Ady and the family boarded a plane to Toronto to embark on their new lives. The first few years of immigration were not easy, especially for Magda who was forced to re-qualify as a physician. Ady’s credentials were recognized, and he was able to find work fairly quickly. He joined the Ontario government as an electrical engineer in 1969 and enjoyed a long and interesting career, retiring in 1993.
Ady embraced his new life in Canada. He was an avid downhill skier, loved physical activity, mountains and the natural world in general. He loved puttering and fixing things at his beloved cottage on Rice Lake. Ady was crazy about dogs, never passing one without a pat and chat with the owner. Their sweet collie Jimmy held a special place in his heart. Ady loved planning trips and together with Magda, travelled extensively to many parts of the world. Together they cultivated wonderful friendships and entertained often, both at home and at the cottage.
Despite the unbelievable adversities and challenges which life threw him, Ady remained positive and open, always able to see the funny side of life. He was innately decent, humble and kind; always ready to help others. Ady had a wonderful sense of humour. The man knew how to tell a joke. In at least three languages!
Ady was intellectually curious and well read; he could discuss anything with anyone. In many ways he was ahead of his time. He was open and tolerant to all cultures and lifestyles. Ady believed in an equal partnership with his wife and was always supportive of her career. He was always ready to pitch in, no matter what the task.
Ady was a wonderful dad, father-in-law and grandfather. He cared deeply and wanted the best for everybody. Like a rock, he was always there when you needed him. He adored his grandchildren and loved spending time with them.
When his dear wife Magda was diagnosed with dementia in her late eighties, Ady never missed a beat. He cared for her with devotion and tenderness until he was 97. Everyone was amazed. There were difficult moments, but Ady remained strong, resolute and philosophical. He managed to live in his own home until the last week of his life. When his Magda passed, the final light extinguished and he was ready to go, peacefully and painlessly. A long life well lived.
We wish to express our sincere gratitude to his two personal care workers Kiran and Kaye for their wonderful care and devotion in the final year of Ady’s life. You truly became part of his and our family. Also a heartfelt thank you to the amazing palliative care staff at North York General Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to either the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre (Holocaust education and combatting both antisemitism and hate in Canada) or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Family and friends are invited to a joint celebration of life for Ady and Magda on Saturday November 1st. Service starting at 12pm to be followed by refreshments at York Funeral Centre, 160 Beechcroft Road, North York, Toronto.