It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Bill at Peterborough Regional Health Centre at age 98 on May 27, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Teresa (nee Rozanska) for 68 years, loving father to George, Julita and Peter (Tara), proud grandfather (dziadzio) of Severine and dear brother of Halina Gnyra. He will also be missed by his friends in Canada and abroad.
Bill was born in eastern Poland where his happy childhood was disrupted by the outbreak of WWII. Shortly after, his father was arrested and murdered by the Soviets in what became known as the Katyn Massacre, where close to 30,000 Polish officers, policemen, intellectuals and professionals perished. In 1940, Bill, his mother and sister (along with well over 1 million Poles), were evicted from their home by the Soviets on Stalin's orders and deported to a Siberian labour camp. After being released, he made his way to the Middle East where he joined the School for Cadets which was attached to the newly created Polish Army, an integral part of the Allied war effort. Arriving in England in 1944, he enlisted in the RAF to be trained as a pilot. Following the war, most Poles were hesitant to return to their homeland which was by then under Soviet occupation. Bill stayed in England and studied engineering at Bournemouth College. Following graduation and becoming a member of the Institution of Electrical Engineers in England, he worked for General Electric in Coventry. Bill married Teresa in England and they emigrated to Montreal in the late 50’s where they raised their family while Bill worked for Northern Telecom in various capacities until his retirement in 1990. In 2000, Bill and Teresa left Montreal and settled happily in Peterborough.
Bill was a dedicated family man and a devout Catholic. He was very interested in history, particularly of the 20th century, since not only was he a witness but also a participant in some of the major events of that period. Although not musically talented, he loved and appreciated music and thoroughly enjoyed his annual subscription to the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra. Bill was an avid bridge and chess player and enjoyed skiing, playing tennis, ping pong and volleyball - activities he took pleasure in doing with his family.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Alphonsus Liguori Church, 1066 Western Avenue, Peterborough on Saturday, June 8 at 11 am and will be followed by a reception in the church hall.
The family would like to thank the many wonderful and compassionate doctors, nurses and staff at PRHC. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations to PRHC’s Stroke and Rehabilitation Unit would be greatly appreciated.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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