STEPHEN (STEVE) OLBRECHT

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STEPHEN (STEVE) OLBRECHT

November 27, 1926 - September 7, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our loving father and grandfather on September 7, 2024, at the age of 97.

Stephen was predeceased by his wife Eleanor; mother Zofia and father Jakub Olbrecht; five siblings; and in-laws, Mary and John, Zwarycz. He is survived by: his son Chris, daughter-in-law Danna and granddaughter Kacie; his son Ted; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Stephen was born on November 27, 1926, in Siolko, Poland. On February 10, 1940, during the Second World War, Stephen and his family were deported from Poland to a workcamp in Siberia in the Soviet Union (Russia). After Germany invaded Russia, the Polish people were released from workcamps. An agreement included the creation of a Polish Army to assist in defending Russia. Stephen remained in Russia for two and a half years and joined the Polish Cadets at age 15 in April 1942.

In December 1943 he enlisted in the Polish Army and was assigned to Regiment Karpacki Pulk Ulanow. The regiment was stationed in Egypt where he was trained to operate military vehicles. In April 1944 his regiment was sent to Italy to fight in the Battle of Monte Cassino, which began in May 1944. Stephen remained in Italy serving with the Polish Army until the Second World War ended in 1945. In 1946 Stephen was sent to England with the Polish Army and served in the British 8th Army and Polish Second Corps-Regiment Karpacki Pulk Ulanow (Polish) or Regiment of Karpathean Lancers (English) during the Battle of Monte Cassino, during the Second World War. On May 19,1944, at the age of 17, Stephen took part in an invasion and assisted in the takeover of the Mountain of Passo Corne.

In the fall of 1946 Stephen emigrated from England to Canada and arrived here in June 1947. It was in Winnipeg that he met Eleanor and they were married on June 16, 1951, for 69 years, until her passing in 2020.

Stephen worked for CP Rail for 35-years as a Carman and then an Inspector until he retired in 1986. Stephen and Eleanor spent their time raising and supporting their family and creating many wonderful memories. Stephen enjoyed: family get-togethers, and spending time outdoors at the cottage (blueberry and mushroom picking, fishing and hunting), with family and friends. You could always count on Dad to help us with house or cottage projects of any kind. A great all-round handyman! He also enjoyed travelling, especially the yearly visits to the Rocky Mountains to enjoy the scenery, and lounge in the hot springs. Stephen was also talented in creating sewing and leather crafts and making pillows, duvet covers and stuffed animals. Many of these adorn our homes and are reminders of him for all of us! Stephen LOVED being a grandfather (Dziadzio) to Kacie and our “fur baby”, Jazz. Kacie was the “apple of his eye” since she was born! He was so proud of her and all of her accomplishments, especially when she became a CPA. Stephen also had many affiliations and accomplishments of his own.

Stephen was an active member of the Polish Combatant Association; the Royal Canadian Legion Polish Branch #34 - member since 1954, President and Vice President for 17 years, Colour Guard Member, Folklorama Committee - Polish Pavilion; and he also participated in various Remembrance Day Services and visitations to schools. Stephen was a member of St. John Cantius Church for many years where he participated in sharing readings and singing in the choir.

More recently, the Government of Canada approved the request of the Government of Poland to award Stephen Olbrecht the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta (Order of the Rebirth of Poland). It is conferred on both military and civilians for outstanding achievements in the fields of education, science, sport, culture, art, economics, national defence, social work, civil service, or for furthering good relations between countries. Stephen received this honour on March 5, 2022, at a special celebration, for a combination of his service and achievements in the military and within the community.

A service to celebrate Stephen's life will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John Cantius Church (846 Burrows Ave.) The interment will follow at Holy Ghost Cemetery.

We will miss you very much Dad/Dziadzio! Until we meet again!

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 14, 2024, Sep 14, 2024