Walenty Franciszek Michalik

He is remembered lovingly by his wife of 50 years Maria Paradowska, daughter Anna (Peter), son Marcin, and his two grandchildren. Walenty was predeceased by his mother Genowefa and father Józef Michalik. He leaves many friends in Edmonton, and family and friends in Poland.

Born in Katowice, Poland on Feb 25, 1938, Walenty discovered his passion for sport (Judo), dance and mathematics while at AGH University of Science and Technology where he worked as a lecturer, and completed a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. He was also a dancer and instructor at The Song and Dance Ensemble Krakus, where he met his wife Marysia.

Walenty came to Edmonton in 1981 by the invitation of the University of Alberta, and decided to settle here with his family after martial law broke out in Poland. He was the Founder, Artistic Director and Choreographer of Polonez Folk Arts Ensemble, and his distinguished career as a choreographer led Polonez to achieve a high artistic level. He was also the Artistic Director of Kujawiak Children Group and Piast Youth Ensemble.

In recognition for his lifetime achievements, Walenty was awarded the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland Officer's Cross in 1998 for his outstanding achievement in educating youth in Poland and Canada, as well as his outstanding merit in propagating Polish culture in Canada. He also received Edmonton's Salute To Excellence Arts Achievement Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to the Arts in Edmonton, and the Employment and Immigration Canada Achievement Award (in Fine Arts) in recognition of significant contribution made to Canadian Society in Alberta.

When not teaching he could be found reading books on cosmology and physics, playing chess and cheering on his favorite soccer teams.

Our thanks go out to the St. Joseph's Auxiliary Hospital for the wonderful care Walenty received. We also extend our thanks and gratitude to all who have reached out with their kind messages of condolences.

A private memorial service was held at Our Lady Queen of Poland Catholic Church on July 2, 2021.