Pavel Cerny was an extraordinary man. At first glance, you might think he was a simple man, and in many ways he was. However, if you were privileged enough to have sat with him, you would have heard some of the most amazing stories.

Pavel was a man whose life was marked by hard things. He didn’t have it easy, and yet, he was content with his life. Born May 9, 1952, in Marianske Lazne to Alexandr and Olga Cerny, Pavel was the middle child of three boys. He had an older brother named Alex and a younger brother named Radim. He loved to be outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and canoeing.

As a young adult, he joined the military and was a paratrooper, something he really enjoyed and found “easy”. After two years, he finished and began working. A cabinet maker by trade, Pavel worked a plethora of jobs including but not limited to miner, lumberjack, carpenter and lastly a truck driver. This final profession he held until the later years of his life. He logged more than 3 million kms during which he hauled all sorts of things from explosives to food to dirty water across North America. He’d take anything, anywhere.

Pavel met the love of his life, Bozena, while walking back and forth by her house for days on end when he, by hand, built himself a cabin. They fell in love and married, welcoming a daughter, Lenka, shortly after. When she was just 9 months old, they and another family escaped from Czechoslovakia in a daring plan that Pavel carefully created and made happen. They would eventually end up in Canada. This is where their son, David, was born and their family was made complete.

Upon coming to Canada, Pavell began his driving career. Bo, himself and his children, would eventually end up in Valhalla just west of Grande Prairie. Here at his acreage surrounded by his family, his beloved horses and dogs, Pavel lived a simple life. If he wasn’t working, tinkering in his shop, then he was out hunting or fishing, or better yet, canoeing. He was part of the canoe club and loved nothing more than to float down the river, enjoying nature and a good laugh with friends.

11 years ago, he lost a piece of his heart when his daughter Lenka passed away after a lengthy illness. It is said that he, after working a long shift of driving, would come home and pick her up to take her to Peace River for her treatments. He would sleep on the floor before driving her home the next day and then going to work again. She was the joy of his life, and he was devastated by her loss.

Pavel was a tough man, some might say crispy. However, if you got through the tough shell, he was a soft-hearted man with a chewy centre, who was willing to do anything to help anyone. He was hardworking, stubborn and loyal to a fault to those he called friends.

On April 13th, Pavel’s wife, Bo, passed away suddenly after dealing with cancer for several years. Pavel was heartbroken, having expected to go first. And not being able to continue without her, Pavel passed away quietly on June 24, 2025.

Pavel is survived by his son, David, as well as his two brothers and various other family members. He has gone on to join his wife and daughter.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 11:00 am at Oliver’s Funeral Home (10005 107 Ave).