Obituary of PIOTR BURCZYNSKI

Piotr Burczynski

It is with profound sadness, we announce the passing of our father and grandfather, Piotr Burczynski, on May 24, 2019.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Wanda, son, Frank, grandchildren, Steven and Katharyn, and many nieces and nephews in Poland. Piotr was predeceased by Helena, his wife of 60 years.

Piotr Burczynski was born on Oct 22, 1920, in the village of Cryzykow, in the district of Lwow, Poland. Dad joined the Polish Army following the invasion of Poland, under General Wladyslaw Sikorski and was deployed throughout the Middle East, North Africa and Italy. He fought in the horrific Battle of Monte Cassino, when the Polish Army Corps joined the British 8^th Army during the invasion of Italy. Dad received medals for his bravery in WW II, which included the Star of War 1935-1945, Italy Star, Cross of Monte Cassino. Following demobilization in 1946, he immigrated to Canada and in 1950, married Helena Krakowiak and settled in Winnipeg.

Dad was a kind, patient and tolerant man, respected by all.  Dad and mom loved fishing, blueberry and mushroom picking, and working in their garden. They fished throughout the Whiteshell, Dauphin River, Lockport, but especially enjoyed Willow Island, where they would fish with their best friend Alek. Their garden’s harvest was shared by many. Dad always lent a helping hand. He was the Mr Fixit of the family and to all who asked for his help, with no task being too difficult; he greatly enjoyed carpentry. He was employed by the Canadian Pacific Railway for 34 years. Dad was one of the founding members of the Royal Canadian Legion Winnipeg Polish Branch #246; he and many others worked hard to make it a successful organization.

The family would like to thank the physicians, nurses, and aides at the Health Science Centre, St. Boniface Hospital, and Holy Family Home for the care and compassion provided to our dad.

Prayers will be said on Thursday, May 30 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 31 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Church, 341 Selkirk Avenue. Interment to follow in Holy Ghost Cemetery.