October 25, 1923 ~ May 14, 2010
It was with aching hearts that we said goodbye to our Dad as his courageous journey with cardiac disease came to rest. Survived by our ever-loving Mom, Diane, his wife of 51 years, children Diana, Allen, Andrew (Kathryn), Teresa (Grant), 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, many friends and extended family. Generous with his sense of humour and always welcoming this extended “family of friends” into his home.
Dad was born in Pemysl, Poland, predeceased by parents Yan and Rosalina and seven siblings. At the beginning of World War II, his family was evacuated to Siberia and there his journey began as a soldier of war. Crossing many borders and continents, his travels were great and challenges plentiful. In 1947 he was Honourably Discharged and immigrated to Canada. He made Youbou his home for the next 54 years. He married in 1959 and his journey of raising a family began.
Dad worked in the Youbou Sawmill for 37 years and during this time steadfastly raised his children. He met all his obligations with complete responsibility, modelling the strong conviction of hard work, honesty and humbleness. Dad was a longstanding member of the Royal Canadian Legion, with 50 years of continuous service, an avid gardener, cribbage player and fisherman with great fondness for animals. After retiring in 1987, he spent the next 2 decades embracing the arrival of grandchildren.
In 2004, Mom and Dad relocated to Lake Cowichan in a successful effort to maintain their independence. The members of the Seniors Centre were a blessing; bingo pals ensuring his safety crossing the street; Tom and Morris entertaining the crowd! Dad was a survivor; a man of few words with incredible wisdom, strength and courage. He took solace in maintaining his independence and sharp mind, exercising practicality and never seeking entitlement. The strength of our family and the friendships we share truly a testament to this victory!
Our sincere thanks are extended to countless individuals who made Dad’s life rich with laughter, compassion and fulfilling his desire to remain as independent as possible. The constant support of great friends truly a gift from God! The teams at Brookside Medical; Dr. Froese and Internal Medicine, Village Pharmacy and the Home Support crew...Emergency and ICU at CDH, the Medical floor, support staff and BC Ambulance...the kind, dignified and respectful care you provided to our Dad is appreciated more than words can ever express! The depth of our gratitude over the last decade incomprehensible! A very special thank you to the team in ICU and Dad’s angels, Tere and Karen for their exceptional care in Dad’s final days. You allowed our family to celebrate Dad’s passing with the greatest of dignity, exercising a remarkable gentle art of caring. Thank you and God bless.
A Mass for Christian Burial will be held at St. Louis De Montfort Church, 60 Fern St., Lake Cowichan, BC on Saturday May 22, 2010. Reverend Father Jai Celebrant. A reception will follow in the Church Hall with interment to take place in Mountain View Cemetery at 3:30 p.m.
Online condolences may be offered at www.hwwallacecbc.com
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