MARIAN (ROCKY) ZAJACZKOWSKI

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MARIAN (ROCKY) ZAJACZKOWSKI Rocky passed away peacefully on September 14, 2007, at St. Boniface General Hospital. He is remembered by all those who met him as a gentle man who was kind and giving. Rocky was predeceased by his loving wife Marianne in 1985. He will be dearly missed by his son Peter and wife Janelle Zajaczkowski and by his extended family, Denise Kotowich, Alan, Debbie, Jason and Sean Kotowich, Ken, Bev, Deandra, Shantelle and Krisjan Kotowich, Sherril, Eric and Kira Matthes, and his many very dear lifelong friends. After fleeing Poland Rocky worked for a branch of the U.S. Army services in Germany. While in Germany he met and married Marianne. Through his labour, there he gained a reputation for exceptional work and good character which led to his successful application for immigration to Canada as a track worker. In 1948, temporarily leaving his new wife and son in Germany, he landed in Halifax and was placed in a lumber camp in Hornepayne, Ontario, where he began to establish a new beginning for his young family who joined him in Winnipeg in 1949. Rocky faced the challenges of coming to a new country, with little English, but quickly gained the respect of his employers as hard working, loyal and able. Rocky held many jobs in his life: at a local greenhouse in Charleswood, National Drugs, Salisbury House, and the University of Winnipeg, frequently working two jobs to support his family, but always dedicated time with his family and friends: outings to the park, the beach, visiting others, playing tennis, at the trailer in Clearwater Bay and then at the cottage. He loved life, and loved being with and helping all those he met. A man of small stature, his challenges shaped him to be uniquely strong, independent, caring and giving. It was his friendly, gentle and caring outlook on life that made him such a success. He supported other young people emigrating from Poland, helping them with small practical gifts and advice. After his wife passed away he used his time to share smiles and warmth with everyone he met through his many acts of kindness. Everywhere he went, whether to see friends on the tennis court, or just a visit to the bank, he took his homemade Shortbread cookies and warm, caring charm to people. Through these random acts of kindness he became known as The Cookie Man. Rocky loved to travel and had many opportunities: Canada, the U.S., Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean. He has enjoyed many adventures in his life but was always thankful for each and every day and felt that Canada is the best place to live in the world. In later years he lived at Lion's Manor and then, most recently, at Vista Park Lodge. The family would like to recognize and thank all of the wonderful people who have helped us over the last few years in making Rocky's life full and enjoyable. Our deep appreciation is also extended to the fire and paramedic first responders, the staff and physicians at St. Boniface Hospital Emergency and E5 Unit for your compassion and care. A service will be held on Friday, September 21 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Timothy's Parish, 135 John Forsyth Drive. Donations in Rocky's memory can be made to The Stroke Recovery Association of Manitoba, B-247 Provencher Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 0G8. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 19, 2007