Jiri KOLEJKA Obituary

Jiri Kolejka, 74, of Roanoke, passed away April 3, 2013, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born and raised in Czechoslovakia, he escaped when Warsaw Pact armies invaded his homeland in August 1968 and immigrated to Canada, where he worked as an electrician and attended University of Waterloo. Following graduation with B.A.Sc and M.A.Sc degrees in electrical engineering, he started 33-year long career with General Electric Drive Systems, first in Peterborough, Ontario, and later in Salem, where he designed drive systems for paper mills and commissioned them worldwide. After retirement from TM GE Automation Systems in August 2005, he enjoyed travel, reading, and most of all clear sky nights for visual astronomy. He was an active member of Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society and was a practicing member of Our Lady of Nazareth Church in Roanoke. He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Anne; son, Michael, of Phoenix, Ariz.; daughter, Paula and her husband, Duncan, of London, England; sister, Kvetoslava and brother, Pavel, in Czech Republic; and Anne's extended family in Scotland.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of the Blue Ridge Cancer Care practice, along with Doctor William Fintel, Doctor Mark Schmidt and Doctor John Rogers for the support and love given through their care. Special thanks also to the nurses on the 4th and 6th floors of LewisGale Medical Center, and to the nurses and caregivers of Medi Home Health & Hospice for their excellent care. Great appreciation goes to all our neighbors and friends who offered their kindness and comfort.
There will be a funeral mass officiated by the Rev. Msgr. Joseph P. Lehman in Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church at 2505 Electric Road 11 a.m. April 15. This will be followed by a reception in the fellowship hall of the church. The interment will be at Saint Andrew's Diocesan Cemetery at 3601 Salem Turnpike NW. At the request of the deceased, there will be no visitation.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jiri's memory can be made to the American Cancer Institute. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.oakeys.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times from Apr. 6 to Apr. 7, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Jiri KOLEJKA

12 Entries

Bob & Pam Closey

April 17, 2013

April 18,2013

I first met Jiri in 1988 when he came to our Whakatane, New Zealand, paper mill to commission new Canadian General Electric Drives. The two of us spent long hours working together to meet "start up" deadlines.
Jiri was always an absolute joy to work with and he had a terrific sense of humour. His electrical engineering knowledge and understanding was highly respected by the engineering team.
It was always a pleasure to meet up with him again on his follow up visits whether he was wearing his Electrical Engineering "hat" or his salesman "hat".
He came home with me several times for a meal and to meet my wife Pam and our family. It was great then in later years (1996) to visit with him in Roanoke and meet Anne, Michael and Paula.
We have been in regular contact since we both retired and Pam and I are deeply saddened to hear of his passing.
We send our thoughts and prayers to Anne, Michael and Paula.

~ Bob and Pam Closey ~ Whakatane New Zealand

Teuvo Tuohimaa

April 15, 2013

Truly sad to hear of Jiri's passing. He was always a humble gentleman ready to help anyone at anytime. It seems anywhere I travel on GE business Jiri is well known and respected as the best in the business. Jiri will be missed by many.

Radek Szatkowski

April 15, 2013

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Dean Parker

April 8, 2013

So sorry to hear of the passing of this truly special guy. A real light in this world.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Anne and their children. Jiri will definitely be missed.

Dean and Lisa Parker

Marc Morales

April 7, 2013

Michael and Family:

We are so sorry to hear of your father's passing. Please know that you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. On behalf of your fellow board members of Enclave Villa's Housing Association; Cindy, Adam, Michael and myself send forth our sincere condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.

George Izsak

April 7, 2013

I worked alongside Jiri in the late 70s in Peterborough. I fondly remember the good times with Jiri, especially a few special 'GE Ski club' trips with Jiri and, his new found love and life-partner, Anne. We parted ways for many years to live in different cities and pursue different careers but, over the last few years we re-established a wonderful connection as Jeanne and I would 'stop over' at the 'Kolejkas' on some of our vacation trips south from Ottawa. We so enjoyed our visits with Jiri and Anne. Jiri was a very gracious host, acting as the very enthusiastic tour guide of Roanoke and loved to share his passion for astronomy and life in general with us.

We shall always remember you with fondness, Dear friend.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wonderful wife Anne and his children, Michael and Paula.

George and Jeanne Izsak

Lois Caliri

April 7, 2013

I was so sorry to hear about Jiri. I will always remember my wonderful conversations with him and Anne at Mill Mountain Coffee Shop on Starkey Road, his contagious smile, and sense of humor.
I will keep him and his family in my prayers.
Peace,
Lois Caliri

Karen Spears

April 6, 2013

I was so very sorry to hear about Jiri. He was always so friendly and kind when I saw and talked with him at church. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

George Shorter

April 6, 2013

Jiri was a "fine fellow" and a joy to be around. I was fortunate to know him, travel with him, and enjoy his joy in telling stories about his family, his work and his travels. Jiri always gave 110% to whatever he was doing and truly enjoyed life, his family and his work. Watching his students when he was talking about winders in our Paper Mill Schools was always a special treat. His enthusiasm was always much appreciated and enjoyed by everyone. His dedication will never be matched! He was a recognized expert by his co-workers and customers. Often customers would wait for him to make a special visit to check over their machine and his controls. He is missed! Jiri was "one of a kind".

Dave Peters

April 6, 2013

I first knew Jiri and Anne when I immigrated to Canada to join Canadian General Electric in January 1975. Jiri and I worked in the same team, as systems engineers. He had a great sense of humour, and was a keen and dedicated engineer. Jiri's interest in field work took him to many places in Canada, the US, and around the world. His commitment to his customers made him a welcome arrival at their sites, and his list of credits in solving difficult problems is long indeed.
On the personal front, one notable achievement was that he convinced me to step into his place for a ski trip to Vermont, that he was unable to make. This introduced me to an activity that has brought me many years of pleasure. Thanks for that, Jiri!
I would like to offer my condolences to Anne and the Kolejka family. You have been through so much during the last few years, but I'm sure that your love and caring have made Jiri's struggles with his health so much easier to bear.
Dave Peters

April 6, 2013

Sincerest condolences to Anne and the family from Kathy and Les Brown.

Doug & Anne Ward

April 6, 2013

Such a great loss who will be fondly remembered by many. I have many wonderful memories of Jiri both from our personnel life, when we were neighbours, we watching his children and our children grow up together, to spending many hours with Jiri on various work assignments. Our deepest sympathy is sent to Anne, Paula & Michael.

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