Obituary of HENRY KOZUBSKI

HENRY KOZUBSKI Peacefully, with his family by his side on Wednesday, May 28, 2014, Henry Kozubski passed away in his sleep. Henry was born in Bialozorka, Poland on February 17, 1922. He was predeceased by his parents Narcyz and Helena, his sisters Emilia and Janina, brother-in law Kazimierz Gardzinski, brother Apolinary and sister-in-law Eleonara, nephews Ted Gardzinski, George Fras, and niece Elizabeth Murray. His first wife Helen Kozubski (Polanski) and second wife Else Kozubski (Frost). Henry is survived by his children Sheri (Vic), Robert (Heather), Richard (Candis), Susan (Brian), Tom (Susie), Donece (Stuart). His grandchildren; Maya, Elsa, Suzanna, Natasha, Michael, Thaddeus, Canaan, and great-grandchildren Alexandra, Dorian, Mylee and Rainier. As well, his many family members in Ontario, Poland and Denmark. He will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and cousin. Henry, our Dad, was a true survivor and in his last month’s he had a strong survivor instinct which provided precious time to share memories and listen to his history. In September 1939, the Soviet Union invaded Poland and Henry who was on patrol, was taken prisoner by the Russian Army and taken east to the to a Russian territories camp called Shepetowka. At the end of October 1939 he escaped and came back home to Poland. In April 1940 he was arrested by the NKWD Russian police force and sent to a Russian prison. On January 12, 1942 Henry was released from the Russian prison so that he could join the Polish forces. Upon Henry's release from Prison, he traveled from Siberia to Lugovoy, close to the Russian and Chinese borders where the Polish army, under command of General Wladyslaw Anders was organized. Henry joined the 10th Infantry Division. On March 25, 1942 the Polish Army began transfer from Russia to the Middle East, under British command. In Palestine in May 1942, he was transferred to the newly formed 3rd Carpathian Infantry Division, First Artillery Regiment, with General Stanislaw Kopanski commanding. Henry served in Iraq, Palestine and Italy. He took part in the Italian Campaign, including the famous Battle of Monte Casino, which opened the road to Rome. He was honoured with many Polish and Allied decorations. In November 1946, Henry came to Canada, making his home in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Henry was a long time employee of Vulcan Iron and Engineering (Bridge and Tank Western), retiring in 1987. Henry was a member of the Holy Ghost Church, He was also a member of several organizations and held key roles, which include: the Iron Workers Union Local 728, Past President of the Polish Combatants Association, Branch 13, Past President of the Polish Combatant’s Credit Union, Past President of the Royal Canadian Legion, Andrew Mynarski VC, Branch 34 and served on the Board of Directors of the Holy Spirit Credit Union LTD. Viewing was held on Friday, May 30 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 31 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Church, 341 Selkirk Avenue. Interment to follow in Holy Ghost Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Paul Poganiatz, Gary Patson, Brian Walker, Mark Mironuk, Sebastian Burachynsky and Mitch Dietz. Honourary pall bearers are Dr. Kazimierz Patalas and nephew Adam Gardzinski. Special thanks to Dr. Hartley, the Palliative Care Nurses and all the staff at Grace Hospice. Thanks for providing loving care and comfort to Dad.