We Remember

RUZICKA, Vaclav “Bill”

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Vaclav “Bill” Ruzicka on November 10, 2021, Kelowna, BC. During his almost 81 years on this earth, he touched many lives in family and in friendship, through school, work, sport, and enterprise.

In 1970, Bill immigrated to Canada with his wife, they settled in the North Glenmore Valley in Kelowna. There he built a home and life for his family. He was a valued member of the international beekeeping community; his tireless work and research in the treatment of the varroa mite is a legacy he leaves to all present and future apiarists and their bee colonies.

Bill had many passions: flying aircraft, swimming, fishing and canoeing on rivers and lakes in summer, and skiing in winter, which brought him many great adventures and many new relationships worldwide.

He is survived by his two daughters and their families in British Columbia; his sister and her family in the Czech Republic; and his cousin and his family in Argentina.

He is and will be missed. — Chybí nám a bude stále chybět. —  Él será extrañado.

Rest in peace. — Nechť odpočívá v pokoji. —  Descansa en paz.

In memory of Bill, donations may be made to the KGH Foundation by following this link: www.kghfoundation.com.
In the field “Direct my gift to” please select “Cardiology”.

A Memorial Service took place on Monday, December 6, 2021, at 4:00 pm (PST), with a small memorial reception following. Both were at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”. 

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KGH Foundation Link: www.kghfoundation.com

 


 


Condolences

  • Lee McCarthy says:

    Dear Susie and Family
    I was so sad to hear of Bills death. The beach will not be the same with out him and his thermometer. Many years we shared the beach and conversations about life. I always looked forward to seeing Bill there and you and your girls as well. I learned a lot from Bill about his experiences in his life. I send you all many blessings and my deepest condolences.
    Lee McCarthy

  • Carol Harvey says:

    Barbara, Susa, Ruza and families – I’m so sorry for your very great loss. Bill reminded me of my own dad – so his gruff manner never phased me in the least. I spent many hours at his place at one bee activity or another and learned a lot about grafting queens from him. He will be very missed.

  • Paul van Westendorp says:

    As Provincial Apiculturist, I have had to deal with many different personalities over the decades and Bill was one of them! Even though, his strong personality and presence tended to cause the meeting room “to tilt”, Bill was always genuine, professional and acted without malice. I truly valued these qualities despite some of our disagreements. I will miss him.

  • Paul van Westendorp says:

    My sincere condolences to the passing of Vaclav “Bill”. Knowing his personality and presence, he must leave behind a huge void that will take some time for you to get used to. Take comfort from all the wonderful memories of Bill’s genuine, strong-willed personality. He was truly a “one-of-a-kind”.

  • Bill Clarke says:

    Truly, an excellent example of a man, who not only walked the walk, but talked the talk, yet with a kind heart. Your example will be remembered by those that you have influenced, without even realizing it.

  • Mark & Carol McPhail says:

    Our sympathies to the family; We had great respect for our fellow beekeeper and he will be missed.

  • Paul and Fiona Ivans says:

    Dear Susie and Barbara and families. We are very saddened to hear of the loss of your dad. Paul and Fiona Ivans

  • Rena Merrett says:

    Barb and Susie and family, I am so so sorry for your loss.
    From my family to Yours.

  • Eliska Klokocka says:

    Dear Barb and Susanne and your families,. My deepest sympathy over the loss of your father. He might be gone but never forgotten and will live in mine and your hearts forever.

  • Corry vanderende and Anneke Scholten says:

    We were very fortunate to have met Bill in the Spring of 2021 . He entertained us for several hours with his substantial knowledge of beekeeping and varoa mite control. The beekeeping community has suffered a great loss

  • Michael Marton says:

    I met Bill this year when I got a Mitegone kit from him. I enjoyed the few conversations we had and really looked forward to working more with him. I’m grateful and amazed at how much he taught me about bees in the short time we were able to talk. He was an amazing contributor to bees and beekeepers and will be sorely missed.

  • Jeanette Hrubes says:

    Suzie and Barb,…So sorry to hear this news. I will remember him fondly. I spent so much time with your family and feel like a member. He was an un-BEE-lievable person and I am glad that I got to know him well throughout the years! Celebrate his wonderful life! Love the picture… true Czech style… with a beer!

  • Jannette Belle Lucas says:

    Bill will be greatly missed at the beach … we shared many a beer and story there at the end of a long hot day – cheers Bill !

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