My Granddad Jozef was a person that I really admired. He used to tell me his stories from World War II, how he had to go to combat in France, and from there gave an effort to finish the conflict. I was always surprised when he remembered things that happened 50 or 60 years ago, like for example telling me about when he emigrated to Canada with my grandmother, dad and uncle, how he got his first job at Rolex, and about his house in Toronto. 

He was the rock and foundation, along with my grandmother Rachel, of the Kowalczyk family, who I am part of. 

Because I was born and raised in Mexico, I saw my granddad very few times, but each one was very special for me. Two years ago I emigrated to Vancouver, and I could be closer to him. A few months later, I went to visit him. The time that I visited him was after the accident he had. I left his residence with a lot of pain in my heart, because I didn't know if I was going to see him again, since Vancouver and Toronto are very far away. But in a few months, my new job gave me the opportunity to go to Toronto often and visit him, and for that I'm very grateful with life. 

In August, I was in Montreal and a change of plans at work made me go to Toronto and I was able to visit him. I'm sure that was a life or destiny gift because I had the chance to see him one more time. 
I will never forget you granddad and I'll treasure every memory of us spending time together, your stories and your knowledge, the times that I used to go with you to the Polish church and you taught me a very special word: dziekuje (thanks).

It gives me peace knowing that you are in a better place now, in the company of my grandmother Rachel and Aunt Janet and more loved ones. 

I love you,
Andres

My Grandad Jozef was a family man who always cherished time spent with loved ones. Growing up, once a week my Gran and Grandad picked me up from Kindergarten. Some of my earliest and fondest memories are from these car rides singing nursery rhymes together on our way to lunch. As I grew older, Grandad would regularly call me to ask about my life, and I enjoyed many visits to his home.

My Grandad took life seriously but always retained his coy sense of humour. For example, this Christmas, when my Dad briefly glanced at his watch, my Grandad smiled and (although he was barely able to speak) asked, “Do you have a date?”. Even in times of great pain and discomfort, Grandad cracked these types of jokes.

The greatest thing that I learned from my Grandad is resiliency. After serving in WW2, faced with uncertainty, Grandad moved his whole family from England to Canada to start a new life and raised my Dad to become the best Dad that a guy could ask for. Grandad lived independently in his house through his mid-90s and regularly drove himself to church and bridge games, where he enjoyed time spent with friends. In recent years, his life was not easy – he faced the loss of a daughter and was hit by a car as an innocent pedestrian – but he remained strong through it all. This sense of resilience drove his mantra, “Carry on, soldier!” which he would say when times were tough. Just a few days before his passing I heard him shout a muffled “Carry on!” to me.

My Grandad may be gone but his strength and loving kindness will live on in those who knew him best.

I just found out recently I was a part of this wonderful family, and I’m sorry I never had a chance to meet my Great Uncle Jozef.  I’m told he was a kind man with a big heart, and really, there is not anything more I’d want to be known for than that.  Rest In Peace, Uncle.

We are so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing.  He was such a sweet man to know and enjoyed the chats we had as neighbours.  We are thinking of you all at this sorrowful time. 

To my cousins, I'm so sorry for your loss. Unfortunately I never met Jozef, but I've heard some great stories about him. He lived a long life and was lucky to be surrounded by some of my favorite people.   My heart is with you and I'm praying for you.  Love you all. 

OBITUARIO

Jozef Kowalczyk

15 marzo, 1920 – 30 diciembre, 2018

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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