KELIAR, Dalibor - Born April 22,1934 – December 9, 2018. A resident of Markham, Ont., Dalibor passed away at his family home, which he built in 1988.
This home was symbolic to Dalibor, representing his love for family, including his wife Emily, two sons Mark and Lubor; and for the town he helped steward into a city, Markham.
Dalibor was born in Dolny Kubin, Slovakia. It was there where the land shaped his lifelong love for athletics.
In addition to being a national basketball player in Slovakia, Dalibor was a superb skier and tennis player, sports he pursued well into his 70s.
But these sports, and his passion for his home, were really about spending time with family and friends. Dalibor, or Dalo to his friends, loved life. And life was loving in return, with a beautiful wife, a steady gathering of friends and family, and the occasional bottle of vintage wine, by his side.
At home, Dalibor was deeply loved. He is survived by his wife Emily, two sons Mark and Lubor, their wives Joanna and Rhea, and grandchildren Elska, Archer and Ozie.
He maintained many close relationships, including the family of his brother Milan, friends the Jokays, Hofmanns, Havliceks, and a steady crew of fellow skiers and tennis players.
His home was always filled with classical music, he played the piano for decades, and was an avid reader. A true bon vivant, he also enjoyed collecting wine, and his well-appointed cellar became a favourite pitstop for friends, and in time his sons’ friends.
Dalo was beloved for his spirit and independent streak to the very end.
Friends and family are invited to attend a celebratory reception on Thursday, December 13th, 2018, at 5pm at Chapel Ridge Funeral Home, Markham.
The family requests in lieu of flowers to make a donation in honour of Dalibor to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
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