Obituary of JAMES STEPHEN POLZ

Early Tuesday morning, June 30, 2020, James Stephen Polz at the age of 56 passed peacefully from his home in this world and was carried by the Angels into the loving arms of God. Left to cherish his memory are his siblings Rev. Robert Polz, Diana Morgan, Edward Polz, Susan Polz and brother-in-law Kris Hiebert, his nephews Jordan Fulawka and Matthew Polz (and mother Sonja), his nieces Anika Hiebert and Holly Hiebert, and numerous other relatives and dear friends, including the staff and fellow residents of SPIKE Inc., especially his housemate Roman Deneka who loved James like a brother. James was predeceased by his parents Albin Joseph Polz and Elizabeth (Betty) Margaret Polz, his grandparents, and several other relatives and close friends. James Stephen was born on July 25, 1963 at Winnipeg, Manitoba. From his earliest years at home with family, James endured various health and other developmental challenges with a determination unparalleled by many of his peers. Morning and evening routines could be stressful. Over the years, family members, friends and caregivers were challenged as much as James to find the right words and best approach to move forward together. James innately knew his God-given human dignity. James sometimes would announce “I’m special”, and even much more often he would remind us “I’m a man!” He wanted people to respect him and to allow him to make his own decisions. One of James’ biggest decisions was when he announced he wanted to leave home. He had witnessed all his siblings as they were sprung from the nest and he wanted to do the same. Eventually, although it was particularly difficult for his mother, James moved out of the family home on Walnut Street where he had grown up. With enthusiasm to start a new chapter of his life as an adult, James did not look back but forward as he carried his own bags and entered his new residence as a member of the L’Arche Community. In his younger years, James enjoyed being picked up by bus and going to school each day. James was a student in the special education programs at Sir John Franklin School and at Montrose School, after which he particularly relished his time at Prince Charles School (now an Education Resource Centre) on Wellington Avenue. Throughout his teenage years he very much liked going to school dances, but it could be very challenging because the disco music and lights were prone to bring on seizures. Yet James did not want to be left out. By and large he also enjoyed swimming, bowling and camping programs in the summer at places like Camp Moose Lake and Camp Koinonia. After graduating from Prince Charles School, James had the blessing of welcoming into his life so many new peers and mentors as he participated in various opportunities to further develop his work and social skills at such places as Versatech Industries, Norshel, and WASO. His wide circle of friends expanded during his years with the L’Arche Community. In more recent years, his “family” grew and was vastly enriched by his fellow residents and the staff of SPIKE Inc. During James’ battle with colon cancer, and following a serious stroke in the summer of 2018, with admissions in and out of hospital, and palliative care at home, the integrity and commitment of SPIKE to respond at every step of the journey clearly exemplified its mission and commitment to the needs of the whole person. James’ siblings and the rest of his family are forever grateful to all those who helped to provide a home for James and who cared for him at all times with fidelity, compassion and love. James had a simple, but very deep faith in God. As a child, he would make sure his family never forgot to pray before meals. If James was ever late getting to the table, he didn’t hesitate to make everyone pray again. A particularly significant moment in James’ Christian journey was when his father became convinced it was time to prepare James to receive his first Holy Communion. Unfortunately, almost every time his parents brought him to church to help him prepare for the great day, James would have a seizure somewhat disrupting the liturgy. His parents and the rector of the church did not know what to do next. James’ brother Robert suggested that if it is difficult to bring James to church, why not bring church to James? Monsignor Larrabee agreed to the plan. So the family cleaned up the home and set up the living and dining room as a church for the special day. Besides the priest and family, some of the neighbours were invited. Peter, the church organist, also came and provided the music for the liturgy. James was so very happy to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. It was a most beautiful and uplifting occasion. It was very clear to all who were there that James deep down knew exactly the value and meaning of the gift of the Holy Eucharist. After all, as his mother often said, James always had one step on the other side in heaven with the Saints and Angels. James’ continued faith and willingness to accept his own cup of suffering with Jesus was evident especially in these last few years. Although he could not speak after suffering the stroke, both family and friends saw how very strong and determined he was to carry his cross to the very end. No longer able to swallow and receive the Eucharist, James nonetheless remained thankful and calm as he was confined to the altar of his bed and received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick on several occasions at home and in the hospital. He was grateful for his many visitors and for the gift of their presence, music, support and prayers. Throughout the years James taught us as much as we tried to teach him. He stretched us and caused us all to grow in patience, care, humility, respect and mostly importantly love of God and love of one another. Given current restrictions due to COVID-19, funeral rites will be held privately with participation by invitation only. A Prayer Vigil for the Deceased will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, July 7 with family and representation of staff and residents of SPIKE Inc. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 8 at Saint John XXIII Roman Catholic Church with James’ brother Reverend Fr. Robert Polz as presiding priest, and a few brother priests, immediate family and friends participating. Rite of Committal to follow in the Garden of Nativity, Assumption Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in James’ memory to S.P.I.K.E. Inc., RPO North Kildonan, PO Box 28029, Winnipeg MB R2G 4E9 or to Saint John XXIII Parish, 3390 Portage Ave., Winnipeg MB R3K 0Z3. May songs of the Angels welcome you and guide you along your way. May the smiles of the Martyrs greet your own as darkness turns into day. Every fear will be undone and death will be no more, as songs of the Angels bring you home before the face of God. Funeral Liturgy – Song of Farewell