Friends and family, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Vlastimil (Vlastik) Fidler. Vlastik passed away on July 7, 2024. Helena and Mako were at his bedside.

Vlastik received his PhD from Charles University in Prague where he became Associate Professor and the Head of the Photochemistry research group at Charles University. He then moved to the Department of Physical Electronics, Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering (FNSPE) of the Czech Technical University (CTU) in Prague as the Head of Molecular Electronics and Spectroscopy research group. After retiring from FNSPE, he joined the new Faculty of Biomedical Engineering (FBME) CTU in Prague. A serious globetrotter, Vlastik worked with international colleagues in the UK, Germany, Latvia, Japan, and the United States. After joining his wife in the United States, Vlastik put all his energy to facilitate scholarly exchanges between the Czech academic institutions (CTU, Charles University, Czech Academy of Sciences) and Brown University. Under Vlastik’s tutelage many of his students became excellent scholars.  

Vlastik touched many people’s lives with his sense of humour, generosity, and kindness. His positive outlook lifted us up in the most trying times. Vlastik deeply cared about his family till his last moment. We are all grateful to have known him.

Vlastik’s ashes will be brought to his family grave in Stará Paka, Czech Republic. Two celebrations of life -- one in Providence and the other in the Czech Republic – are being planned. Vlastik is survived by his wife Masako, daughter Helena and step-son Ken.