Vashek was born in the Czech Republic, in 1932. He passed peacefully at home, following a series of strokes, on October 4, 2021. Three months before he passed, he and Claudette celebrated 50 years of marriage, and have two children and four grandchildren.
He spread his smile all over. He was a big-picture visionary, with an inquiring and innovative mind, and very interested in the stories of people’s lives and creating a better world. He had a love of traveling, and he was one who said YES to life. In 2007, he published a book, Questions We Have Forgotten to Ask, to inspire people.
He studied Agricultural Engineering, and spent part of his work in Africa, in Ghana, from 1962-1968. In 1968, when Russia invaded the Czech Republic, it was a turning point in his life; he applied for political refugee status, and came to UC Davis. He then worked for the State of California, on systems design projects related to renewable energy, salinity solutions and saline drainage water re-use, and agroforestry. In 1983, he realized his dream of having a farm, established a large biomass planting, still an oasis today.
Growing up, he was influenced by the Czech Brethren. His family did not speak about religion, but lived their values in everyday life.
After his immigration to the United States in 1969, he felt confused by so much talk about God. He began attending Davis Friends Meeting in 1991, at the time of the war in Iraq. He found a spiritual home among Friends and shared the values of social justice. He also felt in alignment with Friends’ respect for the environment.
On committees, he was ready to share his ideas, as well as his sometimes strong opinions. He also initiated Quaker group camping trips to Pt. Reyes and Humboldt Redwoods, and encouraged regional gatherings.
He especially appreciated the continuous search for truth, questions instead of preaching, as well as the deep sharing and listening of Worship Sharing Circles.
May he be surrounded by Light, in whatever form he continues on in his spiritual journey.