This is my early birthday gift to Vlado, who was born 23 November 1920. Above is a special birthday drawing from Vlado’s father, one of my favorites, showing the United Nations building rising above the clouds.

Much of my impression of Vlado comes from looking at photos, so I thought I should publish more of them, to show how much he loved life. Enjoy!

Vlado the Hero, circa 1942

Mountain climbing is a nice diversion from studying law – get this poor kid in a suit some proper climbing gear!

Vlado is serene in the Tatra mountains.

Bearded in the mountains of New Zealand.

Picking Narcissus is the Swiss Alps.

On a hike with a bouquet of flowers!

Dans la plage avec un livre.

Making friends with monkeys in Ghana.

On a cruise with Tatulo.

In the mountains with Maminka.

Taking a horse-drawn carriage ride with Olinka in the Czechoslovakian countryside.

Vlado loved his work with the United Nations. Is this Major General Amin Hilmey II with Vlado?

I am still trying to figure out who the people are in these photos, but Vlado looks pretty happy to be there. This may have been in Gaza, having something to do with the UNEF.

At work at the United Nations in New York.

Steamy in Indonesia.

Taking the ‘bus’ in Egypt.

Food was another great pleasure in life – here is Vlado enjoying a typically elegant Swiss breakfast in Geneva…

…et pret a manger dans les montagnes.

He came from a family that enjoyed life, and enjoyed spending time together. The woman dressed in black is Vlado’s beloved grandmother.

Here are the Fabrys looking fabulous on the promenade – is this Cannes?

And last of all, a collection of photos featuring Vlado’s Buick, which he loaned out to all his friends whenever they were in Geneva – causing a few disagreements over who used it more than others!