Obituary of GERARD JAMES ALEXANDER KWIATKOWSKI

Gerard James Alexander Kwiatkowski

Sadly we announce the passing of Gerard Kwiatkowski on May 3, 2017.

Gerard was born on March 20,1954 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He lived his early life in small towns in Saskatchewan, where he loved the open prairie sky and the freedom to explore and learn about life. At 15 he moved with his family of 12 to Winnipeg. He attended Daniel Macintyre Collegiate, where he was the Student Council President in his final year. He studied Philosophy and Astronomy at the University of Winnipeg while working full time to support himself at Osborne Auto Parts. He then took a job at the Winnipeg Tribune in the circulation department and at that time starting tinkering with cameras, taking photographs, and hanging around the photography department. Under the mentorship of his friend Frank Chalmers he started his career in photojournalism working as a fledgling freelancer at the Tribune. He later became a photojournalist and chief staff photographer at the Winnipeg Sun, and eventually a self employed freelance photographer. Gerard was a self-taught photographer with amazing talent and an eye for the use of light in art. His photographs have been published worldwide.

Anyone who spent time with Gerard knew he was a philosopher who loved a debate and often started one whether you were ready or not. He was in awe of the night sky and loved to lie on the grass at the cottage and point out the constellations. He had an eclectic taste in music, which he shared with his friends Brad and Steve.

Gerard was predeceased by his father Henry and brother Greg. He leaves to mourn his passing, his son Craig (Jana), wife Kim, his always loving mom Marjorie, sisters Shann and Shari (Jean-Paul), brothers Rodney, Randy, David, Douglas (Lana), Terry (June), Tim (Connie), many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Thank you to the paramedics who attended to Gerard on April 20, the staff at Seven Oaks Emergency, the Grace Hospital staff in ICU and 4 South for your kind, compassionate, professional care of Gerard.

Cremation has taken place and there will be a Memorial on Friday, June 23, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St.

In lieu of flowers one may donate to a charity of your choice.

“Your memory is my keepsake,

With which we’ll never part.

God has you in his keeping,

We have you in our heart.”

-Bonnie Dodd