Obituary of Ludwik Kozlowski

Ludwik (Lou) Stanley Kozlowski (April 12, 1919 - April 28, 2009) It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved Papa on April 28, 2009 at 90 years of age after a long and difficult illness. Lou was predeceased by his wife Mary (Biczak) in 1995 and siblings, Josef, Kazmierz, Anna, Stefania and Maria. Lou is survived by daughters Carole (Ken) Gallagher, Helen (Jim) Owen, and son John (Margaret) Kozlowski, 6 grandchildren, Jennifer (Ted), Ryan (Brenda), Carly (Dana), Mandy (Matt),Vanessa (Grant), Michael and 8 great grandchildren, Spencer, Kirsten, Matea, Liam, Trae, Fiona, Cain and Jesse as well as numerous relatives and friends. He was born and raised in Skomorochy, Lwow, Poland, son of Jan and Katarzyna (Reichert). He was educated in commerce and accounting. Lou was conscripted as a Polish National into the Red Army in 1940, serving on the Manchurian front. In 1942 he became part of the Polish Army in exile, on duty throughout the Middle East until spring 1943, when he joined the Polish division of the RAF and became a wireless operator on a Lancaster bomber flight crew until he was discharged as a Sargaent. His war years saw him decorated with Polish Air Force, Polish Army, British Defense, Bomber Command and Second World War Medals. Lou immigrated to Canada in January 1948 and, with the help of Canadian relatives (Prochera, Reichert and Chmara families), he settled in Winnipeg and married his beloved Mary in 1949. He proudly received his Canadian citizenship on December 13, 1953. He was employed by the CPR until 1955 when he started his career with the Winnipeg Transit System as a bus driver serving the City of Winnipeg well until his retirement in 1984 when he and Mom moved to Winnipeg Beach and spent many happy years. Lou moved to St Albert in 1998. Lou was a humble, hardworking and proud man who was committed to provide a life for his children that had less hardship and less uncertainty than he had endured in his own life. He had little time for gossip and banter and when he spoke, others knew he had something important to say. Papa, we will miss your stories of your early life, your words of wisdom and your advice. The family wishes to express sincere thanks to Dr. Brian Hayden and office colleagues, Dr. Derek Bochinski, Home Care nurse Chris Lillico and her team, Dr. David Chang and the incredible nursing staff of the Mel Miller Hospice-9Y Edmonton General Hospital. The respectful care and compassion shown to our Papa is deeply appreciated. Prayers will be held on Tuesday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 6 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Ghost Polish Catholic Church, 341 Selkirk Ave. with an Oblate Father officiating. Interment to follow in Holy Ghost Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. For those wishing to contribute, tax-deductible donations may be made towards patient comfort at: St Albert Home Care Program, c/o Alberta Health Services Home Care, 305 Health Services Center, 191 Boudreau Rd., St. Alberta, AB, T8N 6C4 or to 9Y-Mel Miller Hospice, Caritas Hospitals Foundation, 3C60-11111 Jasper Ave., Edmonton, AB, T5K 0L4.