JOHN OWCZAR

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JOHN OWCZAR August 4, 1922 - November 29, 2018 With both heavy and loving hearts, the family of John Owczar announce his peaceful passing on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at the age of 96 years. John was born on August 4, 1922 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was one of five children born to Michael and Mary Owczar. Times were extremely tough. In October 1942, the army and its salary beckoned. John embarked on nine months of training in Canada. He then spent almost two years overseas in England and France. He was just a kid who had to grasp the reality of life under harsh, unhappy and demanding circumstances. In 1945, John left the frontlines on Embarkment Leave. After returning to Sprague from the battlefields of Holland and France, John met the love of his life, Irma Paci. She had just accepted her first teaching contract at Sprague School Division. So began an amazing journey of marriage and family life. It was a life of hard work and six children. John dutifully tackled the endless daily tasks that faced him with determination and a strong sense of pride. We love him for his great sense of humour, perseverance, patience, and calm, quiet ways. With him we enjoyed life's simple pleasures: raiding boxcars for loose grain, burning off grass in the spring, blueberry picking, teaching us to drive, and how to dance the polka well. We shared his fondness for nature, wildlife and birds. He would always say, "we'll get through this one!" On May 8, 2016, he became Sir John Owczar. He was knighted by the President of the Republic of France and awarded the rank of the Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour for sacrificing his life for France during the Second World War. It is very difficult for us to imagine a life without our precious Dad. We are so thankful to be blessed with having had him in our lives for so long. John is survived by his children: Diane (Jeff), Sharon (Bill), Sandra (Frank), John (Maria), David (Sonia) and Jerald; his sisters, Rose and Anne; and his brother Bill. John has been loved by his grandchildren: Shannon, Kellie, Chad (deceased), Jonathan, Kelsey, Adam and Hannah, and his five-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, and one brother. We would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Heritage Life Personal Care Home in Niverville for their compassionate care. We would also like to acknowledge the camaraderie and support Dad so graciously received from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 190 in Steinbach. The Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Our Saviour Catholic Parish, 365 Loewen Blvd., Steinbach MB. The interment will follow at South Junction Cemetery, R.M. of Piney, Manitoba. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 190. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 03, 2018