Family of Astronaut Feustel on Passing of Vaclav Havel

December 18, 2011

Andrew Feustel's family met President Vaclav Havel and his wife Dagmar in August 2011.

Drew, Ari, Aden and I are extremely saddened by the news of Vaclav Havel’s passing. It’s almost too much to bear that the Czech people, the world really, have lost two such amazing men so recently. We don’t take lightly how incredibly lucky and honoured we felt to meet both Zdenek Miler and Vaclav Havel this past August. These memories are seared into our minds, hearts and souls. We have sat together as a family and read many of the news articles and video clips reporting the news of both Mr. Miler’s passing and today, former President Havel. 

We knew that our visit had a very special feel to it. The whole time we were there, we spoke about how blessed and thankful we were for the incredibly warm welcome from our hosts, our family there, the citizens of the Czech Republic, its dignitaries, legends and heroes alike. There was something very magical about our time there and now, in losing Mr. Miler and Vaclav Havel, realizing that these tremendously talented, intelligent, amazing men gave us their precious time to be with us. We will never forget their genuineness, their gentleness, their curiosity and absolute wisdom.

Our hearts go out to all of Mr. Miler and Vaclav Havel’s family members, close friends and all the people of the world that loved, honoured and respected them.

Our immense sympathies,

Indira, Drew, Ari and Aden Feustel