Obituary of PIOTR KRZYSZTOF RYGIEL

PIOTR KRZYSZTOF RYGIEL Our dear sweet Peter, beloved son, brother and uncle, left us much too soon in the late hours of February 4, 2015, due to skin cancer. He tried to stay with us as long as he could, he fought so hard. Born February 3, 1979 in Poland, Peter was a beautiful little boy and he grew into a man with the biggest heart. We miss him so much already and loved him with our whole hearts. He is now with Matthew, his little brother, who also left us on October 25, 2014. They are together, taking care of each other like they always have. Born with a rare skin disease called Epidermolysis Bullosa, every single day was a challenge for Peter. His parents left everything in Poland to come to Canada for the hopes of a cure. Peter wanted to do everything that little boys want to do – run, play sports, swimming – but he wasn’t able. Instead he had his sister Margaret as his best friend. They did everything together. They played Lego, a hobby that still extended to this day, they watched cartoons, they were even dressed the same. Even with so much pain, he had a beautiful childhood full of innocence and joy, especially when Matt arrived in September 1986. Peter grew into a teenager with kindness in his heart and empathy for those around him. Peter was a student at Florence Nightingale, Andrew Mynarksi and Sisler High School. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Winnipeg with high marks. He was a student at Red River College. As an adult, his loving spirit was motivation for others to pursue their dreams and to be the best persons they could possibly be. He had a collection of 184 pairs of sneakers; he found them all over the world. He reviewed movies with an eye for detail. He set the bar for fashion when it came to bright shirts and colourful pants. His best friends were those he meet in Kindergarten. He was an excellent Mystery Shopper. Travelling to destinations that had good shopping and quality restaurants formed some of his best memories. Next on the travel list was going to Arizona where he wanted to eat some sort of desert animal and then onto Chicago for a Comedy Festival in memory of Matt. He looked forward to his social engagements with so much enthusiasm and if there was a bonfire nearby, he was ready with drinks and smokies. He was a celebrated pool champion, helping his team win to victory to play in Las Vegas. He was a spirited poker player and a connesiour of fine things. When Peter became an uncle and godfather to his nephew, Robert, who he called Mr. Malutki, he found a new purpose in life. He was there when Robert was born and his last moment with us was when he received a peck on the lips from his most favourite person. Peter glowed with happiness when he was with Robert, their relationship was truly special and better than any medication. Thank you to all of the nursing and medical staff at Health Sciences Centre, especially Dr. Kasper and Dr. Sochocki. Thank you to all of his friends, and especially thank you to his best friend Jesse Robinson who brought his much needed comfort during the hardest times. Thank you to all of the teachers and teacher’s assistants who helped him along the way at school, especially Mrs. Wasson (Korchynski). Thank you to the staff at MDA for his medical supplies. Peter is survived by his parents, Ewa and Krzysztof Rygiel, his sister Margaret (Bryan Mathes), his nephew Robert, his grandmother Eugenia Tawkin, his uncle Josef Golinski (Jola) and children (Diana and Daniel), his uncle Zbyszek Golinski (Irena) and children (Michael and Bobby) and his uncles in Poland Czeslaw Rygiel (Irena) and children (Ania and Lukasz) and Roman Fudali (Krystyna) and children (Grzegorz, Rafal, Marta and Mateusz) and his grandmother in Poland Zosia Fudali and the entire Kolodziej family. We love you so much Piotrus. You will always be in our hearts. We are going to miss you so much. The house is empty now but we will fill it with your and Matthew’s memories. Prayers will be held on Friday, February 6, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 7 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Parish, 341 Selkirk Avenue.