Wishing we could be there to celebrate grandpa and great-grandpa’s life with you all. He was a great man, gentle and kind. He is in our thoughts and prayers always. Ferris and Mackinnon have a special guardian angel watching over them now. A big hug and kiss from us. We love you and will miss you. Love Mackinnon, Ferris, Melanie and Christian
BOLESLAW SKAWINSKI,
2021
It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of their much loved father, grandfather and great grandfather on Thursday, May 12, 2011, surrounded by his family, at Extendicare Kirkland Lake in his 85th year. Devoted husband for 58 years of the late Jadwiga “Jean” Skawinski (née Myszka) predeceased in 2007. Bill was born in Gwodziec, Poland on August 27th, 1926 to the late Joseph and Anna (née Sudol) Skawinski. Proud and caring father of his five children- Stanley, Helen, Mary, Stella (Mark), Susan (Michael). Fondly remembered by his eight grandchildren – Melanie (Christian), Rheana, Julianne, Miranda, Dustin, Mac, Hope, Jessica and by his recent precious twin great grandsons Ferris and Mackinnon; his siblings Stefka, Stefan and Bronek. Predeceased by his brothers Stanley, Larry, Jan and Michal. Bill came to Canada in 1948 and worked as a gold miner for 2 years at the Macassa Mine, followed by over 40 years at the Kerr Addison Mine, while proudly raising his family in Larder Lake. He was a respected miner who was a great role model and mentor to many young miners. Bill thoroughly enjoyed dancing, especially the Polka. He had a great sense of humour sharing it with family and friends. Bill will also be remembered as a great “handyman”. He was adored by many, especially his grandchildren who brightened his day. He will also be sadly missed by numerous extended families in Poland, United States and Australia. Visitation will be held at the Monette & French Funeral Home (450 Government Road West, Kirkland Lake, ON., P2N 3L1) on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Wednesday, May 18, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. at Holy Name of Jesus Parish followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. with Father R. Lapalme officiating. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice. The following is the eulogy that was delivered by Helen (daughter of Bill) Dad was born August 27,1926 in Gwozdziec, Poland. He was the 3rd youngest of 8 children. He grew up on the Skawinski farm, which was quite substantial. His youngest Brother Bronek, who he was reunited with last August after 25 years, still lives on it for part of the year. Our dad and mom went back to Poland in 1972 with Stella and Suzy, when they were 8 years old. For some reason S&S did not appreciate the simplicity of outdoor plumbing. My daughter Julianne and I were fortunate to go to Poland 2 years ago and stay at the Skawinski farm, and dad was very happy that we met many of our Skawinski relatives, including dad’s 89 yr old sister Stefka. There was indoor plumbing now, and delicious homemade perogies. We were taken along the path our father walked every Sunday to his Catholic Church, about an hour.. Uncle Bronek remembers their father saying that ‘Bolek” “Bill” was the most polite and hardest working from all the siblings and that he never complained about hard work! That’s OUR DAD! In 1943, during the war, when he was 17 years old, dad was taken from his home to work on a farm near Hannover, Germany, never to live in Poland again. May 1945 – end of war – our dad went to Frankfurt where recruited by American army, as part of a Polish company of 300 men. – he was issued a black US uniform, and proudly wore it – sent to Mannheim to be trained – at first guarded American bombs – later served as a guard on train transporting SS men (German prisoners) from Ludfexsburg (near Stuttgard) to Dachau concentration camp. He carried a gun and was ordered to shoot if anyone tried to escape. When I asked him if he ever shot anyone, he said no – dad served about 8 months, untill the fall of 1947, when the Polish army was discontinued After discharge dad was sent to DP (displaced people) camp in Heilbronn, where he met his future wife (our mother) Jadwiga (Jean). He went to Stuttgard to get his medical done so he could come to Canada on a 3 year mining contract. Last year I was able to go to Germany and take the train from Frankfurt to Mannheim. through Stuttgard to Munich, and then a quick train to Dachuo so I could retrace where our dad had been. It was a very surreal trip, and I’m sure he was pleased that I had gone there. August 1948 dad left Germany on American army ship S.S. Swallow and landed in Halifax. He travelled by train to Kirkland Lake to begin his mining career. Our mom and dad were married April 20, 1949 at Holy Name Parish in Kirkland Lake and celebrated 58 years of marraige. They moved to Larder Lake where they lived for over 40 years, and raised their family of 5 children. Later they moved to Kirkland Lake, but our dad’s heart was always in Larder. It was well known to family and neighbors that Dad was a smart and skilled carpenter. He spent many hours repairing, renovating and making our house in Larder a home, and that is why that house is still part of our family today. He took great pride in his 5 children and 8 grandchildren, making many sacrifices in order for us to be successful and happy. We always enjoyed our father’s wit and sense of humor. He loved to make people laugh, or at least smile. But one thing was for sure; you didn’t want to be the recipient of one of his looks. “That one glance, we were scared out of our pants.” Life changed greatly for our father after the passing of our mother. Although he was a strong man and drew alot of strength from his family – he was able to live with Stella and Mark for a year until his health declined – then he moved into Extendicare for the past 3 years where he continued to touch peoples lives with his humour, wit and helpfulness and became a valued member of that community. Over the years, when our parents had health concerns, all of us siblings are grateful we were able to be there to support them. Stella and Mark played a special role in supporting our dad in his last years. Stella had become his rock and he relied on her for so much. We are very grateful that she was here and able to visit almost every day and attend to all of dad’s needs. DAD was famous for: 1. wearing hats and ball caps crooked 2. rolling his own cigarettes 3. polkas 4. being handsome 5. Molson X 6. walking the streets of Larder Lake 7. Blue Jay and Maple Leafs fan 8. back rubs 9. grilled cheese sandwiches and bacon and eggs 10. pocket mirrors 11. being proud of Pope John Paul 12. being a father and great-grandfather of twins He was a strong hard working dedicated family man who passed his values, beliefs and work ethics to his children and grandchildren who will continue his legacy for years to come. We loved him dearly and he will remain in our hearts forever. He is now at peace with our mother and watching over each and every one of us every day. We would like to finish by playing one of Bill’s favorite songs!! For you Dad!! Hope you’re dancing with mom right now!Offer Condolence for the family of Boleslaw Skawinski