Jan "Honza" Motl

Jan “Honza” Motl, who was a key member of EWI’s Prague team in the 1990s and beyond, died of a heart attack on January 6, 2010 at the age of 61.  He served as a trusted and faithful driver for both the Prague office and the European Studies Center at Stirin Castle, just outside the Czech capital.  Those who were lucky enough to know Honza agree that his charisma, humor and energy were contagious. The flood of tributes that arrived upon the news of his passing is a testament to this truly unique man who touched the lives of so many. 

Friend and former EWI staff member, Vasil Hudak, wrote: “Honza has been an important part of my life. A dear friend, a wonderful human being, full of good humour and positive energy. Though his primary responsibility was to serve as a driver, his real role went much, much beyond that! He helped organize events, and he provided personal support and mentoring to the people working at Stirin, in particular to those coming from outside of the Czech Republic.  He was the one who was always ready to cheer us up at the airport after a tiring trip. Honza's sense of ‘Svejk homour’  helped us to deal with difficult moments and brought a different, uplifting perspective on life. The world will not be the same after Honza's departure.”

EWI President John Edwin Mroz and his wife Karen Lineham Mroz commented: “Few people touched the hearts of so many. What a tragic loss. For how many years did coming to Prague mean seeing that big smile and getting that wonderful bear hug --and hearing stories of the beautiful wife and intelligent loving son!  We are so sad, but the man we all so loved lives in our hearts and minds.”

EWI board member Stephen B. Heintz, who served as director of the European Studies Center and the Prague office, noted that the tributes to Honza had “eloquently captured the vitality, humor, and humanity of this wonderful man.” Heintz added: “He was a dear friend and colleague. He taught me so much.”

Another former Prague colleague, Dagmar Aserova, pointed out that Honza was a “natural confidant,” and people regularly turned to him for advice.  “He liked people and people liked him,” she said. Sasha Havlicek echoed those sentiments. ”He infused all around him with joy,” she wrote. 

All members of the EWI family extend their condolences to Honza’s wife Jitka and his son Ondrej.  The funeral service will take place at 15:15 on January 13 at the Motolské crematorium in Prague.