Obituary of LESZEK KOLBER

LESZEK KOLBER

November 8, 1936 to October 6, 2017

Peacefully, with his loving family at his side, Leszek passed away in the early hours of October 6th. He was surrounded by his beloved wife of 57 years Irena, his daughters Violetta (Tom Hauptkorn), Ilona and Dorothy, and will be sorely missed by his adoring granddaughters, Jackie and Natalia. He is also survived by his sister, Joanna Kolber-Nadolska, in Wroclaw, Poland. He was predeceased by his parents, Jozef and Olga, and also sadly by his nephew, Dariusz Nadolski in 2009.

Dad was born in Poland, and grew up in Jelenia Gora. It was there in 1960 that he fell deeply in love with Irena. They married in 1961, and started their family. In 1973 Leszek, Irena, Violet and Ilona immigrated to Canada and settled in Winnipeg. They had their third daughter, Dorothy, and Dad and Mom spent many happy years watching their family grow up in the Maples. In 1985 his family grew larger with the addition of his son-in-law Tom, whom he loved as if he were his own son.

Dad was the epitome of a hard worker, never missing a day of work in over 22 years at Bristol Aerospace. That incredible work ethic always remained with him, even in his last weeks at the nursing home. When we'd visit during lunch breaks, he would ensure to mention "don't be late getting back to your job". 

Dad loved parties and having friends over for dinners. They were the perfect times to share all the jokes he found so hilarious. Sometimes, his children groaned at his "dad jokes", but we love to reminisce about all the laughter we shared, and we are still finding funny clippings from magazine and newspapers that he had saved to share with us. 

Our dad was one of the most intelligent men we ever knew. Everyone fondly called him a walking encyclopedia, and his vast knowledge of trivia and facts kept everyone entertained, and helped complete many crossword puzzles.

In his well deserved retirement, Dad's greatest joy was in being a grandfather. He loved his granddaughter Jackie, and enjoyed spending time with her.  He took great joy in being the Garden City Collegiate chauffeur for her and her friends, and was so very, very proud of her. When Natalia came along, he was overjoyed at being able to polish his grandfather skills again. His long stroller walks with her, the times where he babysat and filled her day with colouring and other fun activities, are some of our favourite memories of our dad and grandpa.

Our dad fought the bravest, most courageous battle against vascular disease for these last seven months. All children think their dad is Superman, but as adults we really started to believe our dad was unstoppable, as he rallied against numerous complication after complication. His will to live was phenomenal, and having these last months with our dad, where we shared countless "I love you's, Ja cie kocham's" , and numerous hugs and kisses to each other was the greatest gift to our family. However, despite all his bravery, we knew that he was suffering. This battle was just too much for anyone to keep fighting, even our amazing Tata, and while our hearts are breaking, we take comfort in knowing he has now received the peace and rest that he so very much deserved.

We want to sincerely thank Dr. Koulack, and all the amazing staff at HSC; the GA3 unit (and GA3 Stepdown) who took such incredible care of "poppa", the caring staff in the Personal Care Unit, the doting staff at Holy Family Home, and at the end, Dr. Tran and all the attentive, kind and sympathetic nurses and aides in GD4. Everyone showed such wonderful compassion and respect to our dad and to our family. We will always remember your care.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 12 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Church, 341 Selkirk Avenue. Interment to follow in Holy Ghost Cemetery.  

Tatus, we love you so very much. There will always be an enormous hole in our hearts, and we will miss you forever.

Dziekujemy ci za wszystko co dla nas zrobiles.

Kochany Tatusiu, odpoczywaj w spokoju.