Obituary of CHRISTOPHER RICHARD KOWALSKI

CHRISTOPHER RICHARD KOWALSKI

Christopher Richard Kowalski (“Krzysztof”) passed away peacefully in his home on January 22, 2023.  He was 69.

Chris was born on December 12, 1953 in Winnipeg to Polish immigrant parents.  He grew up in a loving household with his two younger siblings, where he was taught the value of hard work, a love for homemade food, and a reverence for God.  Being Polish and Catholic were central to his identity; he attended Holy Ghost Elementary School, danced with SPK Polish Dance Ensemble, travelled to Poland in his early 20s, volunteered at the Warsaw Poland Pavilion during Folklorama, and prepared taxes for Polish speaking Winnipeggers for many years.

His personality was larger than life, and he had the loudest voice in any room (“hurry hard!”).  He graduated with a commerce degree from the University of Manitoba and worked for the Government of Manitoba before retiring at 55.  His own father also sadly passed away at 69, and Chris knew he wanted to retire early and spend those years enjoying his life.  He took many trips in his Honda Element to visit family and friends all over Canada and the US, and in October 2022 he travelled to Singapore and the Philippines with his eldest son.  He was famous for running on “Kowalski time”, having answers to any question, and could MacGyver solutions to any problem.  For example, his most famous gift to his kids when they were teens was a homemade pool table, constructed out of an old kitchen table and some blue fabric.  He also famously convinced his brother to enter a race on the Red River on a homemade raft, constructed out of milk jugs and held together by a hope and a prayer; miraculously they were able to complete the entire course and even won an award for their spirit!

Chris is survived by his three children: Nikki (Michael), Nathan (Faye), and Mitchell, and his two grandsons: Benji and Jacob (Dziadzio’s “Kuba”).  He is also survived by his brother Stan, sister Barb, former wife Edith, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.  Chris was predeceased by his parents, Bronislawa (“Bernice”) and Kazimierz (“Kaz”) Kowalski. 

The family would like to thank Chris’ friends Kas, Rolf, Henry, Benji, and Rayaline for their kindness and support (and for their roles as honorary Globe and Mail paper carriers); we are forever appreciative that you helped our dad when we could not be there.

A funeral will take place on April 28^th at 9:50am at Holy Ghost Church in Winnipeg, with reception to follow at Cropo Funeral Home.  All who knew Chris or the family are welcome to attend, share stories and laughs, and celebrate a life taken too soon.

Livestreaming of the service is available at www.holyghost.ca beginning at 9:50 a.m. central time.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Heart and Stroke foundation.

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