Dr. Zbigniew Tomasz Kurowski

It is with profound sense of sadness and deep loss that we wish to inform you of the peaceful passing of our beloved husband, dad and “Dziadzio” on Friday, December 27th at the Toronto General Hospital following a prolonged and courageous battle with multiple myeloma and kidney failure. He was surrounded by family and is survived by his loving wife of 57 yrs. Zofia, daughter Aleksandra, son Tomasz and his wife, Randi and only grandson Luke Barrie.

Zbigniew Tomasz Frederyk Kurowski was born January 18, 1921; in Poznan, Poland to Aleksander Kurowski and Leokadia (Lewik) Kurowska. The youngest of four siblings; brother Jerzy and two sisters, Aleksandra and Bozena.

Upon graduation form high school in Nancy, France, he entered the Medical Academy, at the University in Poznan in 1938 and completed just a year of studies when the Second World War erupted.

During the war, Zbysio worked at a Warsaw military hospital, department of surgery. In 1942 he enrolled in school of agriculture near Krakow and upon graduation, managed an estate in Miechow. During this time, Zbigniew also enlisted in the Armia Krajowa (underground army), as part of the Polish resistance and risked his life, smuggling Jews and others to safety. Once the war ended, he attended the Jagielonski University, in Krakow for two years, subsequently transferring back to University of Poznan, where he obtained a medical degree in 1950. He subsequently became an Associate Professor of pediatrics and in 1954, Dr. Kurowski obtained his first specialization, in pediatrics.

In 1956 he met and married after a whirlwind, three months courtship, Dr. Zofia J.T. Sobieszczanska, DDS (dental surgeon). It was her independence, intellect, sense of humour and beauty that attracted this handsome young doctor.

From 1951-1957 he served as Major in Polish Armed Forces. In 1957 he was also made the Head of pediatrics at the military hospital in Przemysl. Dr. Z. Kurowski and family settled in Kielce, Poland where he continued to practice medicine and in 1963, he obtained his second specialization in child psychiatry. He opened the very first child psychiatry department in Poland, at the Morawica hospital, where he was the Chief psychiatrist. In 1967 Dr. Kurowski became the President of the Psychiatric Association, Kielce branch.

Two years later, in 1969 he immigrated with the entire family to Canada. Both Zbigniew and Zofia wanted to leave the communist regime to provide a better life and opportunities for their two children.

Originally settling in the predominantly francophone N.B., Dr. Z. Kurowski continued to practice medicine at Campbellton hospital and subsequently was the Director of Mental Health Clinic in Bathurst. He became a member of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry in 1976 and a year later his biography was published in the prestigious Who’s Who in the East. Upon his retirement they settled in Toronto and became snowbirds.

Zbigniew’s passions were many; medicine, politics, equestrian, skiing, world travels, poetry and opera. It was his love of life, optimism, commitment to world peace and the belief of goodness of humanity that defined him.

He was a man characterized by intellect, honesty, loyalty, compassion and commitment to his beloved family. A man whose professional distinctions were countless, but who felt his greatest success was his beloved family. To his children and grandson he was and continues to be a role model and a hero.

We miss you, love you and will keep you within our hearts!

The Kurowski family wishes to express our gratitude to the TGH nephrology department; Drs. Miller, Bargmen, nurse Betty Kellerman, the HPDU team; esp. Andrea, Christine, Dorothy and Lisa, as well as countless other dedicated and caring staff.

A Memorial mass will take place on Friday, Jan. 3rd at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Roman Catholic Church, 78 Clifton Road, Toronto, M4T 2G2.

A Celebration of Life for Zbigniew T. Kurowski will follow, at a later date.

You may send the flowers to the church or in lieu of flowers make a donation to the charity of your choice. On line condolences may be made at www.trullfuneralsyonge.com.