- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
CHRISTOPHER KOWALSKI (Krzysztof)
Born: Dec 12, 1953
Date of Passing: Jan 22, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
CHRISTOPHER KOWALSKI
Christopher Richard Kowalski (Krzysztof) passed away peacefully in his home on January 22, 2023. He was 69.
Chris was born on December 12, 1953 in Winnipeg to Polish immigrant parents. Being Polish and Catholic were central to his identity; he attended Holy Ghost Elementary School, danced with SPK Polish Dance Ensemble, travelled to Poland in his early 20s, volunteered at the Warsaw Poland Pavilion during Folklorama, and prepared taxes for Polish speaking Winnipeggers for many years.
His personality was larger than life, and he had the loudest voice in any room ("hurry hard!"). He graduated with a commerce degree from the University of Manitoba and worked for the Government of Manitoba before retiring at 55 to travel and enjoy life. He took many trips in his Honda Element to visit family and friends all over Canada and the US, and in October 2022 he travelled to Singapore and the Philippines with his eldest son. He was famous for running on "Kowalski time", having answers to any question, and MacGyver solutions to any problem.
Chris is survived by his three children: Nikki (Michael), Nathan (Faye), and Mitchell, and his two grandsons: Benji and Jacob (Dziadzio's "Kuba"). He is also survived by his brother Stan, sister Barb, former wife Edith, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. Chris was predeceased by his parents, Bronislawa (Bernice) and Kazimierz (Kaz) Kowalski.
The family would like to thank Chris' friends, Kas, Rolf, Henry, Benji, and Rayaline for their kindness and support (and for their roles as honorary Globe and Mail paper carriers); we are forever appreciative that you helped our dad when we could not be there.
A funeral will take place on April 28 at 9:50 a.m. at Holy Ghost Church in Winnipeg, with reception to follow at Cropo Funeral Home. All who knew Chris or the family are welcome to attend, share stories and laughs, and celebrate a life taken too soon.
Livestreaming of the service is available at www.holyghost.ca beginning at 9:50 a.m. central time.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Spoczywaj w spokoju.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 28, 2023
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
-
We were deeply saddened to hear of Chris's passing. Since we shared our Multan cousins with the Kowalski's, as children we spent many holiday celebrations all together. Chris was definitely the most boisterous Kowalski. He never failed to make an impression. (Which is obvious, if his Grade 6 teacher remembers him.) In later years my family lived in the same neighbourhood with Chris's family. We would often bump into him at a school function or at the grocery store. He never failed to greet you with his big smile and always took the time to stop and chat. Our deepest condolences go to his family as well as to Stan and Barb and their families. He was taken far too soon! - Posted by: Matt & Angie Kaufmann (Friend) on: Apr 24, 2023
-
I remember Chris all those years ago...when I taught him at Holy Ghost Class of '63-'64... As teachers..we often wonder what becomes of our stuudents...some we keep in touch with..others we loose contact with..as life moves on & we all take different paths..it appears that Chris...kept on that path..of being there for others... Chirs was a GREAT student..funny, bright & always there for other students & friends!! He was a character for sure! My Sympathy, Understanding & Love go out to all of his family & freinds! Am sure he will be missed by many.. Take Care now... Carol - Posted by: Carol (Teacher Gr. 6 at Holy Ghost School) on: Feb 10, 2023
-
I knew Chris, I lived in the 6 bungalows behind the apartment. He will be missed by everyone that lived near Chris. I’m so sorry to the family and friends. It’s so hard losing a love one. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Melissa (Friend ) on: Jan 30, 2023
-
So sorry to hear about Chris passing. My condolences go out to the family, but especially Basia and Stan who I knew well growing up in the Polish community of Winnipeg. My thoughts are with you at this sad time. - Posted by: Anna Thor (Fulmyk) (friend) on: Jan 28, 2023
-
We offer our deepest condolences to Chris's family. Chris regularly dropped by our home as we live close to each other in St. Norbert. Chris was a darn good cook. Often bringing us his egg rolls. We shared a lot of stories and good laughs. Co-Vid put a hold on get togethers. We will truly miss his company. - Posted by: Frances and Dennis sinclair-Kaspick (Friends) on: Jan 28, 2023
-
No matter how much time went by, or wherever I ran into him, Chris always found me in a crowd and greeted me with warm smiles and handshakes. Chris was so personable and always lit up a room. My fondest memories of Chris are sharing Christmas and Easter meals as well as catching up with him at the Warszawa pavillion. Chris donated lots of his time to the Polish community, which spoke volumes about his character. Krzysiu you will be sadly missed. - Posted by: Derek Szymanski (First cousin once removed) on: Jan 28, 2023
-
I will forever be grateful how Chris always treated me as a younger brother in our early days. The two fondest memories that I will always cherish is attending a Winnipeg Jets game with Chris and Stan in the 70s winning the Avco Cup and Chris bringing me NHL power player stamps when he was working at the Esso gas station on the corner of Jefferson and Main. Everyone should be so lucky to have a cousin like Chris! - Posted by: John Multan (Cousin) on: Jan 28, 2023
-
So sorry to hear that Chris passed away. Chris worked for me for several years at the Province. He became a good friend and helped me on a few occasions. Later in life, we served together on a not-for-profit board. Chris you will be missed - Posted by: Gary Julius (Friend ) on: Jan 28, 2023
-
Dear Barb (Lilly), So very sad to read of your loss. My deepest sympathies to you. I lost my brother in June. Thinking of you at this time. Sincerely, Mar - Posted by: Marilyn Masse (Friend ) on: Jan 28, 2023
-
We offer our condolences to his family. This person with such a large personality left us much too soon! Carmen and Rick Dondo - Posted by: Carmen and Rick Dondo (Friends) on: Jan 28, 2023
Email Alerts
Sign up for free email alerts of new obituaries for specific people, towns & more.