JOHN WALENCIEJ

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JOHN WALENCIEJ September 16, 1919 - September 23, 2005 John leaves behind his loving wife of 42 years, Weronika, daughter Janina (Walenciej) Seidel, stepdaughter Diane Czoch, stepson Joe Richard Janczyk and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. John was born on September 16, 1919 in Reszkowce, Poland and was the youngest of seven children who predeceased him. He lived in Reszkowce until the age of 21, at which time he was taken to the Russian Army in 1940. He had no choice but to serve until he was sent to a Russian Island with others to perish. The Polish General Sikorski organized a Polish Army with the help of Churchill. He got my father and others off the Island to serve the Polish Army, which later became part of the Allied Forces to fight the Germans in the Second World War. My father was sent to the Arabic countries, which included: Iran, Iraq, Palestine, Israel, Egypt and finally Kuwait. From there he was sent to Italy and taken to Monte Casino. After the war he had a choice, either to go back to Poland or come to Canada and work on a farm for two years, which then would give him his freedom. He chose Canada because his home was under Communist Government and he knew what that meant, no freedom, only more suffering. My father arrived in Canada in 1946. He worked as a farmer for two years, even though he was a tailor and had other skills. He then had his freedom and went on to work at Dominion Tanners for 10 years and later for Swift Meat Packers for 24 years until they closed in 1980. Dad was then 61 years old. He was too young for a pension and too old for other employers. He and my mother then survived with the only help available from Veteran Affairs until he was eligible for Canada Pension. He finally had freedom from a hard life. Dad later battled leukemia for 10 years, beating it completely and living out his days with his wife and family until Friday, September 23, 2005 at the age of 86 years when he passed away. The family would like to thank Dr. A.U. Khan who cared for him for 25 years; Dr. Lezak for 15 years and Dr. Paneskevich for being with him and caring about him up until his final days. The family would also like to thank the doctors and nurses at Seven Oaks Hospital for the care he received upon his final days. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 27 at 2:30 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Polish Legion No. 246 Memorial Fund. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 26, 2005