We Remember

VALNICEK, Stanley John

September 29, 1932 — March 9, 2026

We share with you the news of Stanislav John Valnicek’s passing, a loss we feel deeply. Stan peacefully passed away on March 9, 2026, at the age of 93, in his home surrounded by family.

Stan is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jitka; his children, Barbara (Bruce) and Stan; and his grandchildren, Hanna, Danielle, Kristen (Luke), Lucy, and Graham. He now joins his daughter-in-law, Brenda, who passed before him.

Stan was born on September 29, 1932, in the Czech Republic. He studied medicine at Charles University in Prague and specialized in obstetrics and gynaecology. In his younger days, he was also a talented athlete, playing for the Czech Republic National Basketball Team. While working in the Czech Republic, he met Jitka, who would later become his wife. Early in his medical career, Stanley spent five years working and teaching in Ghana, Africa, where he made many lasting friends and gained valuable experience serving underrepresented communities.

In 1970, Stanley and his family moved to Saskatoon where he started an obstetrics and gynaecology practice with a friend who had sponsored him to come to Canada. During his long and exemplary career, he specialized in gynaecologic oncology surgeries and received many awards and accolades for excellence in his practice. Besides his work as a physician, he taught courses at the University of Saskatchewan and became known to colleagues and students as “Uncle Stan,” a nickname that showed his warmth and his willingness to help others. Stanley was known for being smart, fun and adventurous, but also kind, patient and a great teacher. He received many teaching awards over the years.

Outside of work, Stan loved staying active and being out in nature. He was a big fan of tennis, skiing and windsurfing. He and Jitka had travelled to so many countries together over the years. They always had wonderful times at their cabin in Waskesiu, and Stan always looked forward to going back to the Czech Republic to see his family.

He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him through his years of teaching, his time as “Uncle Stan”, and his life as a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Family and friends will each honour Stan in their own special ways. There will be no formal service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Kelowna Women’s Shelter.

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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Kelowna Women's Shelter Link: www.kelownawomensshelter.com

 


 


Condolences

  • Melody Gartner says:

    My sincere and deep condolences to you and your family Stan. I was a pleasure getting to know your dad around the office. He was always smiling and up beat and a pleasure to be around. May all the wonderful memories you made together live on in your hearts forever. Big hugs to you all.

  • Judy Metcalfe says:

    Dr. Valnicek, was a wonderful, amazing person. I am happy to see he lived a long life. I have continuing gratitude, as he saved my life in 1991. I know special memories will offer comfort, as he will be missed.

  • Vicki Holmes says:

    ”Uncle Stan” was indeed loved by those he taught. He had such a beautiful way of expressing himself and teaching not only the science of medicine but the art as well. He used to tell women who had a premature birth , his own premature story- then he’d say- look at me, it turned out OK! ! When I had a difficult obstetrical case, I always felt assured when he answered the distress call, He never showed fear or trepidation, just calm assurance that could be felt by all those in the room. It was a pleasure to assist with surgery and we had many cases together. Such a fine gentleman , loved by all!

  • Laura Van Loon says:

    Remembering Dr. Valnicek, his very kind, sincere approach, and a true gentle man in every situation with his patients and staff. I will always bless and thank him for returning to Saskatoon on a long week-end to perform surgery for 2 women who required an oncologist- and I have survived to this day. Thanks to you, Dr. Valnicek Senior.

  • Dan Kolysher says:

    Jidka and family: so sorry for your loss of a very gentle man. We first met ,you both ,on a ski vacation from Saskatoon to Chamonix FR. Prayers are with your families, Dan Kolysher

  • Rhonda Ellis says:

    My heartfelt condolences. He was my gynaecologist and I also worked with him as a Medical Assistant at his practice. He was truly a gem. I have thought of him often with kind memories and will continue to. The would has lost a special man.

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