HENRYK WIKTOROWICZ

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HENRYK WIKTOROWICZ (1919 - 2016) It is with immense grief that we announce the passing of our beloved Father and Tatu on Saturday, April 16, 2016. A Polish Second World War Veteran who immigrated to Canada in 1946, Henryk's life was characterized by deep affection for his wife, children and grandchildren, a strong work ethic, extraordinary compassion for humankind and great pride in his Polish heritage. The youngest of eight (two sisters and five brothers), he was the son of a farming family in North East Poland. In February 1940, Henryk was forced to abandon his studies in an agricultural college due to the outbreak of the Second World War. Undergoing arrest by Soviet forces (German Soviet alliance in the invasion of Poland), he was deported with family members to a labour camp in Karabash, located beyond the Ural Mountains, where he was subjected to extremely harsh working conditions. While working in the mines he endured starvation, injury and lost family members to illness. When Amnesty was declared in June 1941 (Soviet Union joined the Allies against Germany), he joined the Polish Army that was forming on Soviet soil and joined the Polish Second Corps in Egypt, which was part of the Allied offensive in the Italian Campaign. He took part in the final and successful attack by the Polish forces at Monte Cassino. As a member of the signal corps division, he consistently risked his life by transporting ammunitions to the front lines. After the war, although victorious, Henryk no longer had a home to which he could return. His family farm in Poland became part of Soviet territory. In 1946 he signed a farm labour contract to come to Saskatchewan, gaining landed immigrant status. Henryk then worked as a lumber-jack and for the railway, prior to taking on a trade as an upholsterer. Attracted by its vibrant Polish community, he settled in Winnipeg. In 1951 Henryk married Karolina Domszy, a beautiful and loving wife, and they started a family and became members of many community and Polish organizations. He launched River East Upholsterers in the late 1960s that he successfully ran until retirement. He served as President of the Polish Combatants Association for two terms and together with Karolina travelled across Canada, Europe and Australia. His generosity was boundless. He sponsored many Polish immigrants to Canada and contributed to many charities. Henryk was also a devout church parishioner and a physical fitness enthusiast. Henryk and Karolina along with their children enjoyed many happy summers at their cottage on Lake Winnipeg. He was very proud of his six children and encouraged them to pursue an education of which he was himself deprived. He was a very enthusiastic grandfather (known for his tire-swings and hammocks), an avid gardener, a nature lover and a creative problem-solver. He will most be remembered for his unwavering optimism, contentedness with simple pleasures, gentle nature, responsibility as a provider, his dedication to family life, his beautiful sky blue eyes and the many ways he made this world a better place for all. Henryk was predeceased by his wife, his parents and all his siblings. He is survived by his children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Barbara (Ben) and children Clare, Anna and Ruth Levin, Frank, Cecilia (Maurice) and their daughter Emmanuelle Arpin, Mary (Mark) and their sons Evan and Julien Garner, Paul, and Hedy (John) and their children, Chris and Leah Heppenstall. Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Andrew Bobola Roman Catholic Church, 541 Marion Street, Winnipeg, with Rev. Fr. Sebastian Gacki, presiding. Interment will follow in Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Cemetery, 4387 Main Street. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, C1026-409 Taché Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6 or The Polish Studies Program at the University of Manitoba. Wojcik's Funeral Chapels & Crematorium, Winnipeg, 1020 Main Street, 204.586.8668 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 20, 2016