Edward Buczek

Many things can be said about Edward Buczek. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive man, his compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing his charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. He was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things he sought to accomplish. Edward was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around him. He generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

Edward was born on December 10, 1942 at Hamilton General Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. His parents were Jozef (Joseph) and Genowefa (Jennie) Buczek. Edward was raised in Hamilton. When he was young, Edward's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe him. Even as a child, Edward demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around him.

Edward grew up with two sisters, Helen and Laura. Edward was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with his family. He was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served him well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Edward carried these traits into his adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found him pleasurable and delightful to be around. Edward was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those he knew.

As a young boy, Edward was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether his peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Edward could easily relate to other kids. He was an active child who loved nature, bird watching, fishing and baseball. In his spare time he liked building model planes and puzzles. Edward's memorable achievements included being great with a Bow & Arrow and Darts. However, to Edward, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his many friends.

During his high school years, Edward had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. He was constantly offering his support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which he participated. He attended Delta Collegiate and his favourite classes were History and Geography. He did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to him. In this way, Edward had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Edward was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Edward as an excellent listener. He placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for him just around the corner.

Always considered a “good” friend, Edward sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Edward always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Edward’s friends found him easy to know and get along with because of his talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in his dealings with others. Edward would always seek to learn what his friends enjoyed, and he would go out of his way to make sure that their needs were met. Edward was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. Throughout his life he had many friends. While growing up, some of his best friends were Pete Lepard, Ron Webster, Ray Keneva and Jim Hobson.

On September 2, 2000 Edward married Brenda Jean Stewart. Compassionate and devoted, Edward worked hard to make his new family happy. He was always generous with his time and this meant that Brenda came first in Edward’s book. He was always caring and made certain that he considered Brenda’s feelings. By trusting his emotions, Edward did his best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Edward was truly a person of empathy.

Edward’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good father to his children. Edward shared these values with his one son, Dirk, and two stepchildren, Michelle Shutka-Talent and David Michael Shutka. Edward was also blessed with four step-grandchildren, Aidan Stewart Talent, Madden Reid Shutka, Isla Napier Talent and Chase Davis Shutka. Edward related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved him and he was completely and totally devoted to them.

Edward experienced success in his work life over and over again. His primary occupations were with the Canadian Military as a UN Peace Keeper for 26 years and the Provincial Government for another 26 years. Edward always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by his colleagues as a team player. Edward took pride in managing his professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Edward was one to take the initiative and his skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Edward continually sought to learn what his co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled him to help them develop their own potential.

Edward was an Army veteran. He was a UN Peace Keeper and was stationed in Cyprus, Egypt and Germany. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Sergeant. He received several awards including many medals. His fellow soldiers knew him as being very resourceful and kind. Edward demonstrated personal initiative and valued these same principles in those with whom he served.

Because he was organized and methodical, Edward took great pleasure in his various hobbies. His favourite thing to do was play on his computer.

Edward enjoyed travelling, and because he was so well organized, he would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. His gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Edward were always enjoyable. Favourite vacations included Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France, England, Scotland, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Israel, Lebanon, Majorca and Spain.

Edward was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. His favourites were his cats, Telus, Gazu, Angel and Snowball which he had for many years.

When Edward’s retirement finally came on June 30, 2013, he was well prepared. Being the focused and organized person that he was, Edward had taken care to plan for this part of his life. When that time eventually arrived, Edward knew exactly what he wanted to do. In retirement, he found new pleasure in a taking photography course and playing on his computer. Ed was incredible - he went every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to Taunton Mills Nursing Home to feed his father-in-law and take him for walks. The other days he took his mother-in-law to the bank or grocery shopping. He also spent time helping his sister-in-law who is in a wheelchair. He was a wonderful caring, gentle man and spent most of his retirement taking care of everyone around him.

Edward passed away suddenly from a cardiac arrest at the beach at Bon Echo Provincial Park in Cloyne, Ontario on July 30, 2016. He is survived by his wife Brenda Stewart - Buczek, his son Dirk Buczek, step-daughter Michelle Shutka-Talent (Craig Talent), step-son David Michael Shutka (Tara Reid), his sister Helen Buczek (Jacque LaSalle), his sister Laura Steel (pre-deceased Jack Steel) and his step-grandchildren Aidan Stewart Talent, Madden Reid Shutka, Isla Napier Talent and Chase Davis Shutka.

Throughout his life, Edward was a gregarious and enthusiastic man. He was generous in sharing his personal attributes, giving and helping those he knew and loved. He would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. He was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Edward leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives he touched will dearly remember Edward Buczek.

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BUCZEK, Edward

(Proud retired Canadian Military / UN Peacekeeper for 26 years)

(26 years with the Ontario Government)

Passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 30th, 2016 at the age of 73. Beloved husband of Brenda. Devoted father of Dirk and stepfather of Michelle (Craig) and Michael (Tara). Loving Papa of Aidan, Madden, Isla and Chase. Dear brother of Helen Buczek (Jacques Lasalle), and Laura Steele (late Jack). Edward will be greatly missed by all of his friends and family. Visitation will be held at the OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West, (905-721-1234) on Saturday, August 6th, from 11:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service in the Chapel at 1:00 p.m. Donations to the Alzheimer’s Society or Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.