Obituary of Jiri Sedlacek

It is with great sadness that the family of Jiri Francis Sedlacek announce his passing which occurred on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, NB. Born in Prague, Czechoslovakia on October 3, 1928, he was the son of the late Dr. Frantisec & Milada (Rozkosna) Sedlacek.

Jiri’s secondary education was interrupted by the Nazi Occupation. In 1946-47 He spent ten months in the Czechoslovak College in England sponsored by the British Council and Prague Labour Academy for the purpose of studying the English language, its history, and its institutions. After a short stay in Prague, He returned to England in late 1947 to continue his studies for the Cambridge Entrance Examination. Jiri matriculated in 1948 to St. Catharine’s College. He read economics and obtained his degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1951.

Jiri worked in the city of London, joining N.M. Rothchild & Sons and obtained British Naturalization in 1952. He joined the Bata Shoe organization in 1954, having lived and worked in many different parts of the world in senior management positions. He retired officially in 1988 as Director of Corporate Planning at the Bata Headquarters in Toronto. He was granted Canadian Citizenship in 1989. Jiri worked closely with Thomas J. Bata following the Czechoslovak 1989 “Velvet Resolution” and was instrumental in reintroducing the Bata business to its country of origin.

Since 1977, Jiri has lived in New Brunswick, Canada remaining in a close working relationship with the Bata family.

Jiri leaves behind his partner of many years Helga Emma Lobb of Hampton, NB, and his son (from his previous marriage) Jeremy Sedlacek (Kira) of Halifax, NS. Besides his parents, Jiri was predeceased by his sister Lupe Sedlacek.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB. where everything is being held privately. Personal condolences to the family can be made through: ReidsFH.com