JOHN KOWALCZUK

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JOHN KOWALCZUK November 25, 1926 - February 27, 2005 It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of John Kowalczuk on Sunday, February 27, 2005 at St. Pierre Hospital, Palliative Care. John is survived by his wife Mary of 48 years, son Richard, son Edward (Suzanne), son Patrick (Anita), son Andrew (Rhonda), son Mark (Joanna), brother Steve, sister Olga Zabawa. John was born November 25, 1926 to Maria and Gregory Kowalczuk in Ksawerufka, Poland. John and his siblings attended school in Sokol, until February 10, 1939 at which time a mass evacuation conducted by the Soviets sent the whole family, along with grandparents to Arkhangelsk, Siberia. They lived in one room, which was part of a long barrack, and it was expected that they would live in the camp for the rest of their lives. During the breakout of the war between Russia and Germany in June 1941, all the Polish people were allowed to flea south and organize at an army and youth centre. John, at the age of 17 years along with his father, joined the army January 1, 1943. Eventually, the Polish Army was transferred to Iran and Iraq where they were trained under Marshal Alexander. They then fought and won in the battle of Monte Casino in Italy. Other battles were also fought along the Adriatic Sea, up to the city of Balonia. In the meantime, his mother and younger siblings were taken care of in a camp in India. When the War ended in May, 1945, the Polish Army was transferred to an Army camp in England for resettlement where the soldiers had a choice of moving to Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Mexico. John chose Canada arriving in Winnipeg May 25, 1947 where 250 soldiers were assigned to work on farms in Manitoba. Eventually John signed an affidavit for his family to come to Canada. In Canada, John worked at various jobs until he started his self-employment trade doing concrete work until his retirement in 1986. John and Mary married in 1957 and had five sons. As a young family they spent many happy summers at Lee River. John and family have belonged to Christ The King Parish since 1964. In 1984 John moved to Grande Pointe, where in May 1997, survived the Flood of the Century. John loved planting trees around his property and also enjoyed his beekeeping hobby. The greatest enjoyment of all was seeing his eight grandchildren growing up into fine individuals. Prayers will be said on Tuesday, March 1 at 7:00 p.m. at Christ The King Parish, 847 St. Mary's Rd., St. Vital. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 2 at 10:00 a.m. also at Christ The King Parish. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ The King memorial fund, or to the St. Pierre Hospital Palliative Care Program. I've done my work, I've sung my song, and I shall go where I belong; the Lord has willed it so.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 01, 2005