I am heartbroken to learn that Krzysztof passed. I hadn’t been to Big Bear for years. My kids are of ski-lesson age now, so I was going to request him as their teacher, only to discover this obituary. I took a ski lesson from K at Big Bear in the early 2000s. It was the year he was sleeping outside on his newly purchased lot, building his own home. A renaissance man and all-around athlete, who excelled. His inimitable spirit, his voice booming welcome, positivity, joy, and hearty laughter, his capacity for seeing the specialness of each person, made for a fast friend.  For the next several years, I only saw him a few times each year, usually during winter when I'd drive up for a day's skiing, but I have a trove of memories of him, for he was larger than life. I remember him racing downhill on one-ski, Bond-like, after someone fell on him taking off a ski. I remember tales of his traveling with the Australian table tennis team. I remember him showing me, all beaming, a picture of his stunning daughter (and with it, explained the beauty of the sound of her name in Polish) and later of his grandson when he was born, his pride. I remember how he preferred to sit on the left side of the lift. I remember him telling me I need to ski like a man (take the hip-wiggle out) and commit to my turns. I remember his white 80s Volvo. I had one too. He taught me an easy and inexpensive fix for an oil leak. I remember his  coleslaw recipe (the best), simple but requiring some labor, releasing cabbage juices with your fists. I remember a mushroom meal from his day’s harvest of forest floors, his ever-reproducing yogurt in his front window, and caramel flavor vodka using sugar alone. I remember his excitement of building a new life and home in Texas with his new, beautiful wife. He had that “forever” quality. I trust his spirit will forever be around even as I ever miss his big bear embraces and his warmth. To Cathy and all Krzys' family and friends, I am so, so sorry for your loss.

I was very sad to hear of the passing of Krzysztof and want to extend my deepest sympathy to his family and friends.   I ski at Bear Mountain almost everyday and it was always a joy to talk to Krzysztof.   I've known him for over 20 years and he made me feel like family and told me I was always welcome to join the instructor clinics.  I took several private lessons from him and as time went on he gave me advice without taking a lesson.  He always had a great way to explain the point he needed to get across.  One of my favorite times skiing he asked me to join him and Roberta Waymire when they were doing a clinic on a spring day.  He was explaining how to ski slush and told us to pretend we were Rose on the front of the Titanic and raise ourselves up to light up our stance and of course it worked.   That remains a precious memory along with all the other great ways he explained technique with his fantastic voice that resonated at Bear Mountain.   He will be greatly missed and Bear Mountain will never be the same.

Kate and Jeffrey from Big Bear Lake are also shocked and crushed to hear of the passing of our good friend Krzysztof.  We shared many times dog walking in the forest with him and Oscar 1 and 2 before and after his work day at Bear Mountain. One early spring day after a nite of rain he was out in the forest with some friends hunting for mushrooms like he had learned from his youth. It was quite a site. I wish I had learned what types were safe from him. 
He came by our cabin this fall with O2 to say Hi and tell us he would be coming back when the snow started to fly.  And we wondered where he was this week, and now we know, he's in Heaven teaching his clinics. 
He was a man to share his blessings with so many of us. He is already missed by all of us in Big Bear Lake.

We will miss you Krzysztof at the Miller gatherings. So so glad we were able to get to know you. Sending you off with much love, Peggy & Nikki Henderson

Dear Cathy,

We had our first big snow storm yesterday and this morning the sun is out. I can only imagine that Krzysztof is skiing somewhere on the mountain with Oscar by his side. We are all still devastated as I’m sure you are too.
Our hearts are with you...love you
Danforth and Nancy

We had so good time studying  and after that sailing , skiing together and with our students. I will always  remember our discussions and hours we spent on the sailing boats talking about plans and dreams. I am ( as well as all friends from "Year 1978" ) so devastated and shocked to hear of Krzysztof death. Krzysztof rest in peace , we all already miss you !

Krys was the best uncle anyone could hope for. He taught me how to “swim like a butterfly.” I miss him and his beautiful smile. I will miss laughing with him and always feeling safe around him with his confidence and lust for life. Rick and I love you so much my amazing uncle. 

There are neighbors ... and then there are neighbors.   We have been blessed by having Krzysztof as our canyon lake neighbor for the last few years.   From countless sunsets on each other’s back porches to countless ( and I mean countless) stories he has been the epitome of what a loving gracious neighbor and quite frankly a human being should be.   He touched our family lives in so many ways.   He cared for our well being , he never was at a loss for words and he loved our dog Nala ferociously.   From spoiling her with treats that he knew she wasn’t supposed to have to helping me fix something around the house you could count on Special K.   He was a special man in a special place in time for our family.   He will be missed dearly by the Toomey family and Glenn Drive .

Krzysztof was a ray of positivity, light and joy on Glenn Drive. I tremendously miss his greetings, life experiences and lively stories. Rest In Peace, we will keep the memories of you alive and will aspire to live each day to the fullest as you did. 

Krzysztof made such a huge difference in all of our lives.  It wasn’t just his incredible ability as a coach that touched us all....He embraced life with an enthusiasm that was contagious. “Let’s ski like a maniac!” I feel truly blessed to have had him as a dear friend and mentor. The world has lost a beautiful soul, but he will live on forever in the millions of hearts he touched and the lives that he changed.  Love to you always Krzysztof and you’ll be skiing beside me forever.

I was so sad and devastated when I heard the news.  Loved seeing him at the resort every morning and talking to him.  He will really be missed at Bear Mountain.  I was one of lucky ones that got to clinic with him all the time.  No one could ever have had a better teacher.  He was a good friend and will be dearly missed by many.

Rest in peace Kristoff. it was a pleasure to have known you , you will be deeply missed by many my friend. If there is fresh snow in heaven I know you will be skiing it. May God bless you and your family in this time of need. Your friend John Bernardi

Krzysztof was my neighbor, my friend and I always looked forward to playing with the dogs together, I always look forward to him coming back for the winter, knowing that my neighbor was here. He will be greatly missed by all that  had the pleasure to have known him, Both human and dogs. My  sincere condolences go out to all his family and friends. Love you  Krzysztof   your neighbor and friend.  Jane

Krzysztof  and I spent many times in the woods in Big Bear with our best friends Oscar and Bear and then Koda . My dogs were always so happy to see
Krzysztof that I would unleash them so they could race to his side to greet him. A wonderful person ,full of joy for life and always passed that along to everyone he met. Every winter morning during ski season I would look forward to seeing him as we exercised our furry buddies. When he lost Oscar I brought him a little prayer about our wonderful dogs to help him with his sorrow. We hugged and cried together over them. My only hope is that in the words of Will Rogers " When I pass I want to go where the DOGS go "Krzysztof  thanks for your friendship . Koda and I will miss you every morning.

                                                                                                                                                Yours in Joy and Sorrow

                                                                                                                                            George & Koda  


I am both shocked and saddened to hear of Krzysztof’s death. We are all devastated. Krzysztof was a wonderful person who will be greatly missed in Big Bear. I'll miss seeing him and Oscar every morning as I leave for work and every afternoon as I return home. I'll miss his flavored Vodka and funny stories about Velcro the cat. You have my deepest condolences on this very tragic loss. Please let me know if there is anything that Mom or I can do to support you and your family.

OBITUARY

Krzysztof Adam Kleszcz

15 October, 1953 – 12 November, 2018

Zoeller Funeral Home

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