Obituary of Edward Joseph Novotni

Edward Joseph Novotni passed away November 18, 2023.

We like to think he left this mortal coil on his black custom bike, pleased that he was faster than people half his age. Ed loved cycling, skiing, mountains, jazz, nice wine, and good wisecracks. He didn't suffer fools or mountain bikes.

Yearly, Ed cycled many km (into his early 80s) with a smattering of crashes - family nickname was “Crash”. Ed opened Vitasport bike shop in Calgary in 1971. It was a slightly dishevelled bygone era shop with good quality bikes that did custom builds and repairs and would close early for a ride or a ski. It was his second home and a meeting spot for cyclists and friends. Being part of the cycling and skiing communities in Calgary was an important part of his life.

His Winnipeg family enjoyed meals and games with Ed during his yearly winter pilgrimage, where he arrived in some sort of record time, usually in a Volvo.

Ed was born in 1933 in Winnipeg, MB.

He was predeceased by his parents, Francesca and Joseph Novotni and his sisters Emilie (Charly) and Lillian (Bob).

He is survived by his nieces and nephews, the Novotny’s Jude, Charles, and Monica (Derrick); and the Marts Alan (Madeleine), Brad (Connie), and Chris (Christine), and was a great and great great uncle.

He enjoyed his farewell gathering with friends before moving to Winnipeg in 2019.

We thank all his Calgary friends who helped him keep bike shop going as he aged in place.

Ed, at this point, would grin and say Hasta la vista!