Obituary of CZESLAW (CHESTER) TOPOSZKIEWICZ

CZESLAW (CHESTER) TOPOSZKIEWICZ Czeslaw Toposzkiewicz, at the age of 101 passed away on September 11, 2016. Czeslaw was preceded by Olga, his wife, of 57 years and is survived by children; Krystyna Wegrzyn (Ryszard), Richard Toposzkiewicz (Judy), Barbara Kieloch (Zbyszek); grandchildren, Michael (Elaine, Weldon) Andrew, Nicole (Brent), Antos (Christine), Kasia; great-grandson Marek; and nieces, Wacia Lukaczynski (Frank) and Danusia Zacharczyk. Czeslaw was born in Poland in 1915 and joined the Polish army at age 20. He survived being interned in a Siberian labour camp (gulag) and upon his release served in the Polish Army under the General Anders during World War II. He was deployed to Iran, Iraq, Palestine and Egypt. As part of the 2nd Polish Corps, he fought in the Italian campaign including the battle of Monte Casino. Czeslaw immigrated to Canada after the war, first settling in Montreal where he met and married Olga. In 1952 they moved to Winnipeg, where he worked for the CP Rail for 25 years. In 2009 he was honoured to be awarded the Siberian Cross by the Polish Government. Dad enjoyed spending time with friends and family. He was well known for playing cards, telling jokes and growing the biggest tomatoes. Prayers will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Church, 341 Selkirk Avenue with an Oblate Father officiating. Interment to follow at the Holy Ghost Cemetery. The family would like to thank all the staff at the River Park Gardens for the exceptional care and support provided. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Czeslaw’s name to River Park Gardens-Recreation Department, 735 St. Anne's Road, Winnipeg, R2N 0C4. "Wieczny odpoczynek racz mu dac Panie"