Vlad was a tenacious runner, frequently training at 100 miles per week and was always a threat to win any race in the 40 to 49 year age category.  He was respected as one of the top masters in the province along with Simon Timmer, Mike Creery, Garth Ball, Bob Cook and Bob Reid.  He was a true gentleman and, regardless of your ability, if you were a runner, you were a friend.  He offered encouragement and always greeted you with his friendly personality.

Bob Cook was one of Vlad's closest training partners in Nanaimo and he offered a secret to Vlad's running success, "As he explained and I observed his training was very simple.  When
training for a marathon, do 10 miles every work day then run longer on weekends.  Most of the runs should be at a hard fast pace.  If training for shorter races, run 10 miles every work day and run longer on weekends.  Most runs should be at a hard fast pace.  The rest of the year, run 10 miles every work day and run longer on weekends.  Most runs should be at a hard fast pace."

His obituary, which follows, is in this morning's Times Colonist, Tuesday, March 3, 2015.

Vlad was born in Czechoslovakia December 27, 1946 to Karel and Eliska. He was raised in Prague and immigrated to Canada in 1969 to continue his university studies. After obtaining an undergrad degree from the University of Alberta and a masters from the University of Toronto, the new engineer, having found his passion for running after coming to Canada, ran from the cold for Vancouver Island. He met his best friend and love of his life Catherine in Victoria, where they married in 1985 and together raised three daughters, Natalie, Valerie and Carolyn. Vlad was passionate about his work; working for the Ministry of Environment in Victoria and Nanaimo until he retired. An avid gardener, Vlad collected plants, especially palms, from around the world for his Salt Spring garden. The garden started in the 1977 when Vlad purchased an acreage on Salt Spring and built a small cottage. Over the next 3 decades, Vlad built the cottage into their dream home, growing his garden along side.

A private celebration of Vlad's life is planned. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Vlad's honour to the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation, Salt Spring Island, BC is appreciated.