Obituary of GREGORY LIUSZ

Gregory Liusz

Peacefully while he slept on Thursday June 20, 2019 Gregory Liusz at the age of 98 passed away with his family by his side.

Gregory was born on December 9, 1920 in Stanislawow which at the time was part of south east Poland.  At the age of 18 he entered university to become a lawyer when the Second World War started.  He lost his entire family in the War. He was sentenced to 20 years labour in a Siberian work camp until amnesty for Polish prisoners was declared in 1941.

He joined the Polish Second Corps in North Africa and fought as a sapper (combat engineer) in the Italian Campaign.  His actions on the battlefields earned him the medal of valour on two separate occasions.  He played an active part in the battle of Monte Cassino.  He was wounded in the chest from cannon fire and lost part of his lung.  A piece of shrapnel was permanently lodged next to his heart. His wound caused him to be moved to a Polish hospital in Scotland.  There he met the love of his life Eugenia Domszy, whom he married and they started a family.

Gregory was a loving and devoted husband and a caring compassionate father to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Family was most important to Gregory because he lost his original family in the war.  Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 74 years Eugenia, children Joe (Elizabeth), Krysia, Theresa (Gordon), and Ted (Davolyn), grandchildren Lisa, Kelly, Grace, John, Peter, Janice, Monica, Dorothy, Allyson, Andrew, and Lauryn and 17 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sons Tadeusz and Stanley as well as his son in law Zdzislaw, grandson in law Dave and granddaughter in law Suzie.

Gregory had a long career as a shoe maker, first with Greb Shoes and then with Canada West Shoes. He took pride in being able to run all the machinery required to manufacture high quality boots and shoes. Gregory was a devout catholic and a member of Holy Ghost Parish for the years he lived in Winnipeg.  He was also a member of the Polish Combatants Association SPK Branch 13.  

Being a jack of all trades he was always ready to help whenever needed.  We were often surprised by what he was able to accomplish using hand tools and techniques.  He remodelled many a home to meet the specific family’s needs.  Because he could speak a little in several languages he was able to help many friends and coworkers especially with paperwork.  He worked with many community organizations and the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen Union. 

Anyone who got to know Gregory understood he had a resilient spirit and a quick wit to always keep you on your toes.

The family thanks the staff at Deer Lodge Centre Tower 6 for their compassionate care and the kindnesses they extended.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Parish, 341 Selkirk Avenue, with Rosary commencing at 9:30 a.m. Interment to follow in Holy Ghost Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Deer Lodge Centre or Holy Ghost Cemetery.

Wieczny odpoczynek racz mu dać, Panie,
A światłość wiekuista niechaj mu świeci.

Niech odpoczywa w pokoju wiecznym.
Amen.