OTTO JELINEK

Otto Jelinek, born on May 20, 1940, in Prague, Czechoslovakia, passed away on September 5, 2026, at the age of 86. His extraordinary life journey began with his family's escape from communism in 1948, leading them to Oakville, Ontario. Otto excelled in figure skating, becoming the World Figure Skating Pairs Champion in 1962 alongside his sister, Maria, in a championship held in Prague, the city they had fled. He later joined the Ice Capades and became a television commentator for CTV. Otto transitioned into politics, serving as a Member of Parliament and holding several Cabinet positions under Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. After retiring, he returned to Prague, where he founded Jelinek International and served as Chairman of Deloitte & Touche for Central and Eastern Europe. Otto's legacy is marked by his contributions to sports, politics, and business.