MIKOLAJ (NICK) PIETRUS

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MIKOLAJ (NICK) PIETRUS
November 4, 1930 - April 10, 2020

Peacefully on Friday morning, April 10, 2020, with family by his side, Mikolaj slipped into the loving hands of his Saviour.
Mikolaj was predeceased by his wife Anna, his dad Mikolaj, his mom Makryna, and two sisters, Paraskiewa and Anastasia. Mikolaj is survived by his sons, Henryk (Joanne), Metro (Brenda) and Roman (Wendy), grandchildren, Jordan (Shannon), Erik, Jennifer (Ben) and Megan, great-grandchildren, Maeve and Vivian, sister-in-law Mary Maniawski, nephew John Maniawski, niece Anna (Dale), and many more nieces and nephews abroad. Dad will also be missed by his many friends, neighbours and the Brethren at the Winnipeg Bible Students class. Dad had a firm belief in God and the Bible which was very evident by the condition of his personal Bible and his belief in the Resurrection....this gives us all comfort now.
Mikolaj was born on November 4, 1930, in the small village of Zamch, Poland, just nine years prior to the start of the Second World War. During the early years and during the War, times were challenging and very difficult as Mikolaj lost his dad at the age of 12 and his mom at the age of 35. With the passing of his dad at the age of 12, Dad had to grow up quickly and became the man of the house. Dad knew our mom (his future wife of 63 years) as a childhood friend in Zamch and his best friend was Stefan Czyrak (Anna's brother). Dad married Mom on November 11, 1955. After living through and surviving the Second World War, Mom and Dad lived in Poland where they enjoyed a very comfortable and stable life, with Dad working as an accountant and building manager in Swidwin, Poland and enjoyed their hobby farm in Rabino, Poland where they made and sold honey. During this time, they gave birth to three sons: Henryk, Metro and Roman. Dad was an avid motorcyclist enjoying this mode of transport. He took his motorcycle everywhere and when he was driving to the hospital in Rabino for the birth of their third son, with both older sons with him on the motorcycle, and had a bit of accident (no one got hurt) which delayed their arrival to the hospital.
After 13 years of marriage, with three young boys Mom and Dad, hoping for a better life, sold everything they owned in Poland and moved to Canada in 1968. Arriving in Montreal with nothing but a few suitcases and very little money and settled in Winnipeg. Mom and Dad, with the three young boys, moved in with Roman and Olga Czyrak (Mom's parents) and lived on the 800 block of Manitoba Avenue in the upstairs apartment which had a small kitchen and two small bedrooms...tight quarters for family of five. The early years in Canada were tough, due to language barrier and seeking work to raise a young family. While looking for permanent work, Dad would walk to work and back (sometimes one hour each way) every day, rather than spend money on bus fare. Every penny counted! Mom and Dad, with their three sons, lived with Mom's parents for four years until they were able to save enough money to build their dream home in 1971 on the 1400 block of Manitoba Avenue, where they lived and prospered with their family for most of their lives.
During early years in Canada Dad worked at whatever job was available...Dad was not picky. Dad finally found permanent employment with CPR in the Bridge and Building (B & B) Department where he worked and was well respected for his knowledge, skill and patience, until 1994 when he retired as a B & B foreman after 25 years of dedicated service.
When work was steady and money was coming in, Dad bought his first brand new car...a 1974 Chrysler affectionately known as the TANK...Dad was so proud of it. That car took us on many road trips to the beach on weekends, Moose Jaw and Denver, CO. Dad enjoyed driving and he always wanted to drive straight though, all the way…no stops other than refuelling and food! Dad taught all three boys to drive with that car, including parallel parking with makeshift red wooden posts in empty parking lots...no small feat!
Dad loved and supported his family his entire life, even though at times he could not do so physically. Dad especially loved to spend time with his grandchildren (and great-grandchildren), he loved to tell stories of life in Poland, play chess and go to restaurants to eat. Dad said that eating in restaurants was the only way he could get Mom to sit down with him! He was married to Anna for 63 years, he was lost when she passed March 10, 2019...but he is with her now, and I'm sure Mom is happy to have him by her side once more!
Dad was a self-taught DIY and was extremely skilled in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, mechanics, sewing, just to name a few. Dad's knowledge and skill allowed him to do magic with his hands, nothing was beyond his capabilities. Dad's philosophy was 95% planning and 5% building! Dad was a thoughtful, kind and extremely patient man..."The Silent Giant".
Dad loved his coffee. There was always time to have a cup, two or maybe three with family and friends. I think it was just his way to get people to sit and visit for a while.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic we have been advised by Glen Eden Funeral Home that we must adhere to the restrictions which limit the gathering inside and outside to a maximum of 10 people at a time. While respecting the gathering restriction numbers a private family viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and immediately following this, a brief interment service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. will follow at Glen Eden Funeral Home & Cemetery (4477 Main Street) on Friday, April 17, 2020.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Holy Family Home in Mikolaj (Nick) Pietrus' name. Family wishes to thank all staff at Holy Family Home, especially the 3A (St. Anne's Ward) team for their love and caring of Dad throughout all times and especially the last days.

Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenedenmemorial.ca

Glen Eden Funeral Home
204-338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 15, 2020