Kowalewski, Jan
It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Jan, in his 89th year, at Southlake Regional Health Care Centre, Newmarket , surrounded by family, on Wednesday, May 13th, 2009. Devoted husband to Jozefa for 64 wonderful years. Jan was the loving father to 6 proud sons, John (Marnie), Henry (Janice), Richard (Wendy), Stanley (Jan), Karl (Kris), and Walter (Sandra). He will be sadly missed by his 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Fondly remembered by his brother Heinrick Kowalewski.
Jan was a master shoemaker and designer with Roots Canada (Retired). He was a world traveller who had lived on 3 continents, spoke several languages, was an amateur artist, a photographer and developer who had a zest for living life to the fullest. His most memorable times were those spent with family at the many gatherings throughout the years playing with his grandchildren. He adored fishing at his sons’ cottages, travelling with Jozefa, working in his darkroom developing and then framing his photography. Special thanks to the Doctors and Nurses at Southlake Regional Health Care Centre Emergency Department.
His family will receive friends at Rod Abrams Funeral Home, 1666 Tottenham Road, Tottenham, 905-936-3477 on Monday, May 18th, 2009 from 7-9 pm. Funeral service will be held in the chapel, 11:00 am Tuesday, May 19th, 2009 followed by cremation. Donations in Jan’s memory to the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
“When you look up at the stars in the heavens tonight, think of them as porch lights welcoming Jan home”
Dave Corrigan says
Our prayers are with the whole family at this difficult time. All our love from all of James’ friends at Harbourfront.
Greta Fastenaekels says
Dear family and especially Josefa,
It’s never easy for those left behind,
but when you lose someone like Jan, we
all feel the shock.
May it help to know that, in the few
times we met him, we will remember
him as a friendly and humoristic man.
We share your sorrow and stand with
you in your time of need.
With sympathy,
Greta Fastenaekels and Piere Mulak.
Carmen & Mary Elin Arico says
We were honoured to have had the good fortune to have met Jan.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Our most sincere condolences,
Carmen & Mary Elin
Gayle and Jim Mitchell says
Our thoughts go out to Wendy, Richard and the entire family at this time of sadness.
May the fond memories of a wonderful family man–Jan Kowalewski sustain you
through your grief.
Kyle Kowalewski says
Jan Kowalewski was my grandfather…
Of course I never knew him as “grandfather”, or “grandpa” or “grandad” or “Jan”. To me he was “Dziadzio”. To my cousins he was “Dziadzio”. Even my parents, uncles and aunts called him “dziadzio”… and we always will.
I don’t think I ever realized what this word meant until I was quite grown up. To me it has never simply been the English translation of the Polish word for “grandfather”, it has always meant a whole world more…
It was that feeling deep inside, just from hearing the word “Dziadzio”.
It was his appearance, the sound of his voice, his scent, the warm feeling of his hug. But it was also the memories…
…it was Santa Claus jingling bells on Christmas Eve…
…it was egg-cracking contests at Easter…
…it was hiding in the old mobile home…
…it was a house where his paintings covered every square foot of every wall…
…it was making cookies in December…
…it was camping in Sandbanks Provincial Park…
…it was that little red bag of leggo blocks halfway down the stairs…
…it was an inspirational toast at a family function…
…it was a dark sheepskin jacket and hat…
…it was that old exercise bike…
…it was keeping chickens…
…it was keeping rabbits…
…it was making all those great memories that in my heart will always be known as “Dziadzio”.
And what memory of Dziadzio wouldn’t include this song, for whenever I hear it, he is the first thing that comes to mind. It’s very meaning is that of
John & Tammy Pearson says
A great man is supported by his Family and we know this is truely the case.