John Navratil passed away peacefully in Houston, Texas on August 2, 2017 at the age of 61, after a brave fight with cancer. He was born a first generation American in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on April 12, 1956, to Boris F. Navratil of Prague and Constance Parr of London. He was predeceased by his mother and is survived by his father; and by his wife of 30 years Peggy (O'Neil); son Oliver; daughter Alexandra; and siblings Juliette; Philip and wife Michele; Peter and wife Annie.
John arrived in Houston in 1973 to pursue a degree in electrical engineering at Rice University. There he developed an interest in computer programming and ultimately became one of the first Rice graduates with a B.A. in Computer and Mathematical Science.
John was a computer programmer/consultant for over 40 years and worked in many fields but primarily in the oil and gas industry. One of his proudest accomplishments was being a principal architect of the SAMMI graphical user interface builder which was at the time the only authorized GUI software for the NASA space station project. He also enjoyed designing and inventing multiple automated gas testing machines for the calibration of industrial gases.
John was an adventurer, an avid sailor and scuba diver, an instrument-rated pilot and world traveler. The last few weeks of his life were no exception. Surrounded by friends and family he scuba-dived in the Caribbean, sailed the Keys, spearfished and piloted the Cessna 210 he shared with his brother Philip and their families. John's greatest passion was first and foremost aviation. He earned his pilot's license in 1977 at the ripe age of 21, logging many hours in the air thereafter, flying as far West as Catalina Island, East to Philadelphia, and at long last Key West, embarking on his final flight within 48 hours of his passing. He was a man of many talents and interests, sharp as a whip, with a prodigious memory. He was known for some of the best mudbug boillin' on the Gulf Coast and was once invited to participate in a study of those with a certain proclivity for speeding tickets. He was a beautiful, complex man with a larger than life personality. His sudden departure was a great shock to those nearest and dearest to him. But it is some relief that John, our gentle giant, was only truly ill at the very end.
A memorial service was held in Houston at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, on Saturday the 12th at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers please send donations in John's honor to the Conquer Cancer Foundation in Alexandria, VA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Waltrip Funeral Directors.
October 31, 2017
Classmate
Matt Kurth
I first met John while at Rice University, dorming in Lovett College. We became friends due to our families' origin from eastern European countries escaping communism. When John wanted to move off-campus I became Lee's roommate. There were nine of us that pretty much stuck together during those years. We had a lot of good conversations trying to solve the problems of the world. I also still remember the trip to John's home for a Holiday weekend. After graduating from Rice John helped me many times. I was lucky to have John as my landlord living in the apartments that his family owned. After finishing my training in Houston, distance and different directions in our carriers had us drifting apart. Our group kept in touch by occasional email and notes at the end of the year. We did get together for our 35th reunion, which I was glad to have attended. John had just fractured his ankle and was making a recovery. This minor issue in no way changed John's ebullience. We talked about old times and plans moving forward, including perhaps attending the 40th reunion. It was with great sadness that we all found out just now that John passed away August 2, and that reunion is not to be. His obituary describes how John lived life well - we will miss a brilliant friend, gone before his time. My sincere condolence to his wife Peggy, his children and the Navratil family.
October 28, 2017
Classmate
Lee Ivy
I just heard the news about John from some Rice alumni friends. I met John in 1973, he and I were assigned to be roommates in the Lovett College dorm at Rice University. He and I shared an interest in software, and it became a passion and a career for both of us. I stayed in contact with John thru email after I moved to the west coast in 1978. While it was a sad surprise to hear that he passed away so young, I was happy to read the obituary and see that he had a full, satisfyng life. My condolences to his family.
August 24, 2017
Valerie Kilpatrick
Teddy, Valerie, and Sue Brys will never forget the Force that was - and will surely continue to be - John F. Navratil. John was the boy who devised countless childhood adventures (mainly crawling in attic a/ducts, building forts in the woods, and climbing roofs), the young man who impressed everyone with his large, generous personality and brilliant mind, and finally as the passionate husband and father, a person who lived each day for itself, and to the fullest.
Sending love to Boris, Juliette, Phillip and Peter ...
And sending love to Peggy, Oliver, Alexandra...
He will be missed.
August 12, 2017
Aunt Deb & Uncle Jeff Sterling
Our hearts are with you and we love you all. We adored John and he always made us feel so special and welcomed. From his zany sense of humor and delightful personality to his love of flying and adventure, we simply adored him....We have wonderful memories of what time we had with you and him and I now have a lovely necklace made from a piece of petrified wood he sawed and gave to me. Heaven is richer tonight and we suffer our loss. Know we love you, Peg and kiddos.
August 12, 2017
To Peggy and Oliver
I am so sorry to hear about John! John is in my prayers and Peggy you and Oliver also. I do feel your pain and what you are going thru, Janet has been gone just over a year, I miss her daily, Peggy if I can be of any help to you both please call me. I have a wonderful bereavement therapist who is a huge help to me!
and we have started a bereavement group at St. Michael's. I have very fond memories at Regis with your family. My the Lord bless you. I have you all in my prayers. Please call if I can help you
Blessings John W. Lodge III
August 12, 2017
Peggy your loss is greater than I can imagine. Please know that even though I don't see you as often as back in the Regis days I will say a rosary in Johns memory and keep you in my prayers.
August 12, 2017
Susan Japhet Scotty
Dearest Peggy, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Holding you close to my heart and keeping you and Oliver and Alexandra in my loving thoughts and prayers.
August 12, 2017
Melinda Hampton
Rest well dear friend. 35 years of friendship and memories will live in our hearts forever.
To Peg, Oliver, Alexandra, all of the Navratil and O'Neil families, the Hampton family sends our love and most heartfelt condolences. I will especially miss John's booming voice asking me "MO-Linda, how are ya?"
August 11, 2017
Dear Peggy and Oliver,
I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. My love and prayers are with you all and with all of your family.
May the Lord's peace be yours and may your husband/Father rest in peace with the Lord!
With much love and continued prayer!
Anne Storey Carty
August 11, 2017
Hilary Purcell
Peggy, Oliver and Alexandra ~ I am truly sorry for your great loss! What an amazing husband/father you had in John. Sending prayers of peace during this time. Love to you all!
August 11, 2017
Teacher
Margaret Buehler
Oh, I'm so sorry. Prayers and condolences, Peggy and Oliver.
August 11, 2017
Gustavo and Caia Zapater
We are so sorry to hear of John's passing. Our deepest sympathy for you Peggy and everyone in the Navratil and O'Neil families. May fond memories bring you and your family comfort during these difficult days.
August 11, 2017
Friend
Gustavo and Caia Zapater
We are so sorry to hear of John's passing. Our deepest sympathy for you Peggy and everyone in the Navratil and ONeil families. May fond memories bring you and to your family comfort during these difficult days.
August 9, 2017
Family
Juliette
It's hard to accept that I'll never again be able to call John when I need advice on stereo components, cooking methods or math computations. I'm so sorry for this great loss for his lovely family. He will be missed by all who knew him.
August 7, 2017
John was such a dear person who always made us laugh. We will miss him terribly as, we know, others will, too.
Barbara and Keith Robinson
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