It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Honza Cerny. Honza passed away suddenly at his home in Cambridge on November 1st. Husband to Eva, father to John, father-in-law to Jana and Bianca and grandfather to Daniel, David, Kyla, Miška and Dominik.
Funeral services with direct family were held on November 4th with cremation taking place soon after.
There will be a celebration of life held at The Blackshop Restaurant located at 595 Hespeler Road, Cambridge, ON, on Saturday, November 17th from 12-3pm.
Honza was born in the Czech Republic in 1948. It was here in his homeland where he also met and married his life-long wife and partner, Eva. Throughout his time in Czech, Honza was committed to his studies and work within the hospitality industry. His last endeavour before moving to Canada was management of a small hotel and ski resort in Benecko in the Czech Krkonoše Mountains. It was here in 1980 when Honza learned that his 1st son Alec would not be accepted to the school of his choice due his refusal to join and become a member of the Communist party. For that reason, Honza and Eva decided to defect and immigrate to Canada. Although Honza had little knowledge of English and/or Canadian business practices, it took only 3 years after arriving for the 1st Blackshop to open. Honza founded the original bistro on Ainslie Street in Galt. The 32-seat location was a hit, a small family business that became a staple and household name in the local dining scene. In 1992, he and his family took another leap of faith, deciding to move the Blackshop from the small bistro to the much larger location on Hobson. It was here that the Blackshop rose to new heights, becoming a top spot for dining, events, and good cheers. The current Hespeler Road location is no exception, and it too continues with Honza’s presence; a spirited approach with an unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional customer experience. Honza’s vision, personality, quick wit and hospitality were and always will be the trademark of the family business. Honza will forever be the bedrock of the Blackshop.
Honza enjoyed entertaining; always making time for a good bottle of red with friends. He loved his family with his whole heart, he enjoyed camping, fishing, trips to Costa Rica, the cottage in Grand Bend and Hidden Island Camp. He was also always extremely proud of what he and Eva and the “boys” had accomplished and was never hesitant to let his friends or anyone know exactly what he thought!
After his son Alec passed away, the grueling battle with cancer and his ache of losing Alec was unbearable. It is reassuring to know that he is in heaven surrounded by close friends, and most importantly, he is with Alec. They are together at peace.
He will be truly missed but the loving memories will live on. Honza will always be remembered for his hospitality, quick wit, friendliness and genuine love.
We love you and miss you!
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cancer Society, Sick Kids Foundation, or Cambridge Memorial Hospital.
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