Vlastimil (Vlas) Chrapavy

November 3, 1947 (Czechoslovakia) – August 19, 2024 (Calgary, Alberta)

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and friend, Vlas Chrapavy, on Monday, August 19, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Vlas is survived by his wife, Nina, his daughters Gabriella Brass (Elliot) and Julie Chrapavy (Cody Wanner), and other relatives in Czechia. 

Vlas left Czechoslovakia in November 1968 due to the political climate after the Soviet Russian occupation. Within 18 months of arriving in Calgary, Vlas obtained his journeyman electrician ticket and then his master's designation after that. He worked for various contractors before joining Lenrose Electric in 1977 as a partner. In 1989, he and his wife, Nina, became owners and ran the company together until his retirement in 2012.

Vlas was never one to sit around and do nothing, so being bored with 'watching grass grow,' he returned to work, this time up north for PCL and Chemco, where he connected with some of his former employees and met many new people. 

After retiring for the second time, Vlas started volunteering at the Nanton Bomber Command Museum, working on the Avro Anson, a British twin-engine, multi-role aircraft. 

Vlas was a curious soul who loved learning and understanding how things worked. He was highly intelligent and could fix almost anything. He was one of those people who, if you ever had a question, he likely knew the answer – and would let you know if he didn't, then promptly Google it so he would. He loved to travel and meet new people, learning about them and their way of life fascinated him. He always kept an open mind and loved having new experiences and trying new things – especially food.

Vlas's passing has left a void in the lives of those who knew him. As a loving husband, father, and friend, he touched the hearts of many. His absence will be deeply felt, but his memory will always be cherished.

A special thank you to all the healthcare workers at the Rocky View Hospital, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Palliative Care Team, and Home Care who assisted Vlas and his family through this difficult time. 

Donations can be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation and dedicated in Vlas' name instead of flowers. https://albertacancer.ca/donate/

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Evan J Strong Funeral Services North (3625 12 St NE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 1:00 pm. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vlastimil (Vlas) Chrapavy, please visit our floral store.