CZESLAW KUSIAK

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CZESLAW KUSIAK After a brief illness and a long healthy life, Czeslaw Kusiak went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ peacefully on Sunday, March 28, 2004 surrounded by his loved ones. Czeslaw will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of 58 years, Stefania; his children, Genevieve (Ron) Leclerc, Sabina (Don) Romaniuk, Ziggy (Joanne) Kusiak, Teresa (John) Gandecki, Susan Culliford, Elizabeth (Ed) Stepnuk, Tony Kusiak, Joanna (Mike) Houston, Angela (Peter) Grech, Reanne Kusiak, Katherine (Jean-Claude) Kusiak; and by his cousin Emilka Czajkowska and her family. Czeslaw was predeceased by his sister Sabina; his parents; and his son Joey (1959). Czeslaw was a wonderful Dziadzius who was proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Rob (Paula) Romaniuk, Debbie Romaniuk, daughter Natalie, Tammy (Craig) Carter, sons, Blake and Marshall, Mark (Heather) Leclerc, daughter Allyson, Michael (Andrea) Leclerc, daughter Chloe, Josh (Sarah) Kusiak, Jennifer (Jason) Liberty, sons Hayden, Isaac, Anna-Marie Kusiak, Kevin and Brook Culliford, Christa (Scott) Stepnuk, Nicole, Steven, and Leanne Stepnuk, Kyle, Andrea, and Ryan Kusiak, Zachary and Tess Houston, Maxine and Marcel Grech, and Chloe Kusiak. Czeslaw was born in Lodz, Poland on August 16, 1920. He met the love of his life, Stefania, in Germany where they were both displaced during the Second World War. Four children were born there. In 1950, he came to Canada alone, and worked and saved in order to reunite the family. The following year, Stefania and the children joined him in Winnipeg. For 30 years, Czeslaw worked at C.P. Rail as a blacksmith. His work ethic and strong determination ensured that his large family never went hungry. Because of his wartime experiences, he vowed that there would always be food on the table for his family and he kept his promise. Food was plentiful and guests were always welcome. Czeslaw was a devout Catholic and a long-standing member of the Holy Ghost church. He generously devoted time and money to the church building fund and other causes. Every month he bought and delivered groceries to the Sisters of Charity. He regularly donated blood to the Canadian Red Cross (75 donations!) and he wanted to keep giving even when they told him to stop because of his age. He loved classical music and was blessed with an exceptional voice. He sang in the St. Cecilia choir at Holy Ghost church, in the Polish Sokol choir, and was the soloist at many weddings and funerals. He was a member of the Rosary Auxiliary and the Knights of Columbus. Czeslaw was also very involved in the Polish community. He was a long-time member of the Polish Combatants Association and the Polish Sokol organization. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 1 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Ghost Church, 341 Selkirk Ave. Interment will follow at Holy Ghost cemetery. For those who wish to pay their respects, prayers and viewing will take place one hour prior to the service. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of the St. Boniface Hospital 8th floor Palliative Care Unit for their compassion and dedication during our time of need. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Boniface General Hospital Research Foundation-Palliative Care Unit or to the Holy Ghost parish. Tat/Dziadzius, we love you. We will always miss you. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 31, 2004