Obituary of Joseph T. Kazimowicz P. Eng.
KAZIMOWICZ, Joseph T., P Eng.
Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 2, 2018, at the age of 90 with his family at his side at the St. Catharines Hospital. Joseph will be greatly missed by his devoted wife Florence of 65 years, who took such loving care of him, his three children Elizabeth, Robert (Susan), Richard (Karen), grandchildren James, Michael, Kathryn, Mark, sister Stasia (John) Lubanski and many nieces, nephews and family in Canada, the United States, England and Poland.
Joseph was born in 1928 in Byblo Poland. On March 10, 1940 he and his family were deported to a labour camp in Siberia. At the age of 15 he was selected for training in the British Royal Air Force Polish Division as one of the youngest airmen on record. At age 19 was a fully qualified aircraft instrument technician NCO. He served in the Middle East, Africa and the United Kingdom. In 1948 he was honourably discharged with full service decorations. In England, Joseph completed his engineering education, married Florence and in 1954 immigrated to Canada and settled in the Garden City. Joseph was a former Resident Engineer for the Drive Train Division, Hayes-Dana Corporation in Thorold for 28 years and continued to provide consulting services upon his retirement.
Joseph had a deep love of Canada, his Polish heritage and extensive knowledge of WWII history. He dedicated his life to volunteer service and received numerous recognitions, including the Canada 125 Medal, the silver medal from the Polish Congress and The Knights Cross issued by the Polish Republic for his contributions to the Polish community in Niagara. Captain Kazimowicz, CD served in Her Majesty's Canadian Armed Forces Reserve for 15 years and was Commanding Officer of the RC(Sea)CC RENOWN. Joseph was a founding member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and Polish Veterans Branch 418, serving in many capacities including president. Joseph sat on the Board of Directors of the Padarewski Society Senior Citizens Home.
Joseph was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and uncle who cared deeply for his family and was proud of their accomplishments. He valued education and supported his children in their pursuit of their careers. Joseph's greatest pleasure was spending time with his family.
On behalf of Joseph, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Michelle, Dr. Ralph, Dr. Maida, Dr. Bokhari and the nursing staff at the Walker Family Cancer Centre and the oncology unit at the hospital who provided excellent care, support and compassion.
The family will receive friends and family at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines on Friday, October 5, 2018 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9p.m. with Rosary being held at 7:30 p.m. Honouring Joseph's wishes, a private family service will take place. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Walker Family Cancer Centre or charity of your choice.