JAN IGNACY SARBIEWSKI

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JAN (JOHN) IGNACY SARBIEWSKI November 3, 1928 - March 11, 2016 Following a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer, our beloved husband, father and dziadzio John Sarbiewski passed away peacefully on March 11, 2016 at the age of 87 years. In his final hours, John was surrounded by his loving wife, children and grandchildren who were at his side. John is predeceased by his parents Franciszek and Bronislawa Sarbiewski, sisters Genia, Frania, Jadzia, brothers Zaheusz and Tadeusz, and brother-in-law Henryk Radzyminski. John leaves to mourn his beloved wife of 57 years Zenobia Sarbiewski, daughters Barbara (Marcel), Donna (Allan), sons Richard (Katherine) and Eddie. Dziadzio John leaves to mourn his cherished grandchildren Alyson (Rory), Timothy, Daniel, Joshua, and Julia. Dziadzio will always watch over the true lights of his life, his "Kochane Wnuczki". Also left to cherish John's memory; sister Alexandra (Olcia), nieces Mary (Jerzy), Lela, nephew Ed, and their families. Family in Poland; sisters Stasia, Kazia, and their families. John was born on November 3, 1928 in the small town of Rembovo, Poland. Dad would fondly reminisce of his early years working on the farm with his family. As war began, and his father's health failing, dad at the age of 16 along with his siblings would run the family farm during wartime. He and his family were displaced during the war and would later return to their home to rebuild their lives and farm following the end of the war. In 1959, John married the true love of his life Zenobia, and in 1960 their first daughter Barbara was born. With the help of his older sister Olcia and brother-in-law Henryk, John and Zenobia along with baby Barbara began their journey to Canada and resided in the north end of Winnipeg. As new immigrants to Canada and facing the challenges of a new language and culture Dad found employment at Aetna Roofing Ltd. Dad worked as a labourer, roofing foreman and supervisor for his one and only boss, Mr. Tom Milowski who dad always considered a close friend. Dad loved his work and provided the company with 23 years of service. At the age of 55, John, with the loving support of his wife Zenobia, took on his next life challenge and founded Northwestern Roofing Ltd. Dad's honesty and true integrity built relationships that would last a lifetime and his work ethic created the solid foundation upon which Northwestern Roofing stands today. He was very proud to be the roofing contractor for The Fort Garry Place and the Red River Princess Street Campus projects. After 20 years of developing Northwestern Roofing with his son Richard, John retired at the age of 75 to enjoy more time with his wife Zenobia, son Eddie and his beloved grandchildren. In retirement Dad would stay busy renovating and building additions to his cottage at Balsam Bay. Dad truly enjoyed cottage life, picking mushrooms and berries and visiting with his family and friends along the sandy lane of Birch Grove Road. Dad loved when the family was over at his home and the cottage for meals together. This past Christmas was very special as Dziadzio John smiled endlessly and cherished the time as his loved ones gathered to be together. John was a man of great faith which would strengthen him during his days of hardship and pain. Through it all, John would always have a smile and hug for everyone he would meet. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 18, 2016 at Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Church with Fr. Daniel Janulewicz, OMI and Fr. Alfred Grzempa, OMI officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Ghost Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Allan Bell, Frank Nowak, Tim Gysel, Rory Sullivan, Daniel Sarbiewski and Joshua Sarbiewski. Honorary Pallbearer will be Marcel Gysel. Our family would like to thank Dr. Conrad Hoy, Dr. Hartley Fox, the Palliative Home Care doctors and nurses, and the St. Boniface Palliative Care Unit for their wonderful care and compassion. Sincere appreciation to Father Daniel for providing spiritual support for our beloved Dad, both at home and at St. Boniface hospital during his final hours. Should friends desire, a donation may be made to the St. Boniface Palliative Care Unit in John's memory. "Wieczny Odpoczynek Racz Mu Dac Panie" Cropo Funeral Chapel, 204-586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 15, 2016