JIM ORZECHOWSKI

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JIM ORZECHOWSKI October 11, 1944 - November 12, 2003 Jim died on Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. in the medical intensive care unit at the St. Boniface General Hospital, after being admitted to hospital on October 8. He fought hard as was his wont, with courage, strength and love, and we his family, were all privileged to be with him. Jim and his wife Simone (nee Guertin) celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary on September 2nd of this year. She and their children, Kristina Braun, Lasha Orzechowski and son-in-law Jeffrey Braun now have a huge void in their lives. Jim was such a presence; passionate, loving, generous to a fault, intelligent, funny, fun to be with and demanding of himself and those he cared about. He was the most positive and optimistic man. We love him and miss him so much, husband, father and friend. Jim was the youngest of four sons born to Lawrence and Anastasia (Hrybok) Orzechowski. He is survived by his oldest brother Nick (Rose) and a large loving family of nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Jim and Simones son Demion died on April 14, 1998. Jims father Lawrence, mother Anastasia, brother Alexander, brother Peter, mother-in-law Marie-Louise Guertin and father-in-law Tony Sr. (Antoine) Guertin have all predeceased him. Jim enjoyed a demanding and fulfilling career as an Architect. He was the CEO of Smith Carter Architects and Engineers Inc. when he died. He joined Smith Carter in June of 1970, was elected to the Associate Group in 1973 and became a partner in 1974. Over the years there have been a number of articles in the press outlining the achievements of Smith Carter. With vision and forward thinking all of the dedicated people in this firm have come to enjoy a pre-eminent role in not only Manitoba, but nationally and internationally as well. Family, friends and colleagues have all heard from Jim at one time or another: ... Do your homework ... Take the high road ... Work hard and smart ... Enjoy whatever you do Jim loved Winnipeg and Manitoba. Underrated - Central - Safe - Caring - Affordable - Four beautiful distinct seasons. And so he felt a need to promote and nurture this wonderful community. He served as a volunteer member on many of this citys boards - educational, cultural, professional, health and civic. Due to Jims strong respect for the Art of Architecture and the inherent discipline, he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and inducted as a member to the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. This recognition by his peer group allowed him a quiet and appreciative pride. Jim, as many people know, enjoyed breeding and showing Newfoundland dogs - just having animals, horses, dogs, cats - planting trees - working outdoors. He was an expert skier, strived to be a better sailor, was frustrated with his golf game, loved our fifth-wheel and all the opportunity that it represented for fun in the sun. His funeral service will be held at St. Ignatius Church, SW corner of Corydon and Stafford, Thursday, November 20 at 12:00 p.m. with Father Peter Monty S.J. officiating. His pallbearers will be Jeffrey Braun, Wayne Hekle, Philippe Guertin, Jason Orzechowski, Todd Orzechowski and Jack Smyth. His honourary pallbearers will be Nick Orzechowski, Tony Guertin Jr., Jean Paul Guertin, Ken Zorniak, Ron Pidwerbesky, John Atkins, Bob Sparrow, Curtis Hanstead, Scott Stirton, Jim Yamashita, Dr. John Foerster and Dr. Jack Lezack. Donations may be made to the Jim Orzechowski Memorial Fund at the St. Boniface General Hospital Research Foundation, 409 Tache Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6. Funeral arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY & CREMATORIUM 885-9175

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 18, 2003