Antonin Beran

passed away Monday, January 5, 2015, at his home on Bainbridge Island, Washington. After a yearlong battle against cancer, he died in peace and serenity surrounded by love.He was born on December 6, 1937, in Prague, in the former Czechoslovakia to Antonin and Jirina Beran. Political, economic, and social forces impacted his life profoundly. This molded him into a man who embodied resilience, self-determination, creativity, integrity, humility, strength, loyalty, and a joie de vivre.The breadth of his life left those who knew him in awe. From his youth in Prague and escape to the West to driving a Chevy truck to the West Coast where he first danced in the Pacific Ocean, constructing fine homes, raising a family, building fishing boats, traveling to Europe, Asia, and South America, fishing and crabbing in some of the most beautiful and sometimes brutal waters in Alaska, Tony's life of hard work and adventure was tempered by his joy in the simplest of pleasures.A lifelong athlete, Tony pursued sports with passion. He took joy in the camaraderie and the competition, and he sought to master the technique. Sports cleared his mind and made him strong. He will be remembered by many who played golf, tennis, and ice hockey with him, who kayaked and skied with him…forever yodeling down the slopes.Tony was denied a formal education early in life, but life became his teacher and he embraced every opportunity. Whether it was musical instruments, languages, or recipes; mechanical, architectural, electrical; or his quest for the perfect smoked salmon, he applied himself with patience and perseverance. As he learned, he shared his creations, lessons, and discoveries with those around him.In his last days, he was heralded a mentor, a best friend, a prankster, a good neighbor, a renaissance man, a life ideal, handsome, a beloved grandfather, and a most beloved father. He is survived by his daughters Marlene Connolly, Kristine Beran, and Dr. Lisa Beran; sons-in-law Timothy Connolly and Javier Lores; grandsons James, Peter, and Willem Connolly; brother Wenzel Beran; sister-in-law Maruna Beran; nephews Tony and Martin Beran; and many friends who will be missing him deeply.Respecting his wishes, there will be no funeral service. His remains will be interred at a private ceremony in a cemetery in Prague, next to his parents.His life will be honored and celebrated on January 25, 2015, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the White Horse Golf and Country Club. All friends and acquaintances are welcome and encouraged to come share their stories and memories. Tony spent many, many happy days there these past years. Family and friends are also welcome to contact Dave, PGA Director of Golf, at 360-297-4468 to join one of the "Team Tony" tee times that will precede this event. We know he will be there in spirit, and very much a part of it.Please sign the online guestbook for the family. Arrangement entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home.