When we remember Andrzej, we will always remember our trips to the mountains with him. How he would invite us to stay in Portland and, after having some of Ela’s delicious cooking, we would set out from there to the Wallowas or the Three Sister’s Wilderness or on a Deschuttes rafting trip. We remember how he would take time to walk with us when we were at the end of the line and how he fried fresh fish on a pan over the campfire. We remember how we built a stone altar so that we could have Mass. We remember how we always met the most interesting people on his hiking trips and how strong friendships were forged. We remember how he gave his time and energy to the Polish youth at St. Stanislaus Church and all the countless trips to Mt. Hood for skiing. In later years, we also remember his inspiring diet and we hope to imitate him in it. We remember long talks over the phone and how very positive he always was. We remember his care for others. But most importantly we remember Andrzej’s faith in God and the time spent in prayer together. 
Thank you Andrzej! 
May you rest in peace.  
Ania, Mirek, Ewa i Michal. 

Andrzeju, 
Siostry bardzo za toba tesknia. Tak naprawde poznawały ciebie na wyjazdach które organizowałes. One nie miały łatwo. Brakowało im ciebie jak były małe, a wspomnienia zaczeły sie kształtowac dopiero pózniej. 

Miałes Andrzeju talent pedagogiczny. A tego bardzo twoim siostrom brakowało jak dorastały. Wkradłes sie na zawsze do ich serc i na zawsze tam zostaniesz.

Zostały nam wszystkim przepiekne wspomnienia.
Zrobiłes kawał dobrej roboty i zjednoczyłes mocno rodzinke. 

Andrzej umiał doradzic.  Nie brakowało mu madrosci. 
Mówił: pozwól w pracy wyprzedzic sie innym... niektórzy tego potrzebuja dla własnego ego, wiec zamiast z nimi walczyc, pozwól im sie piac po szczeblach, a twoja ciezka praca i tak zostanie zauwazona i doceniona przez kogos innego, a to przeciez najpiękniejsza nagroda. 

Ostatnim razem w Warszawie Andrzej wział mnie na spytki. To juz było po weselu Sylwii, a chyba jeszcze jakis jeden slub szykował sie tego roku w stanach. Andrzej chciał sie załapac na jeszcze jeden slub, bo lubił polskie imprezy, wiec wybrał mnie, bo byłam w kolejce. A ja zamiast tłumaczyc, ze zadnego slubu nie bedzie zabrałam go na pyszne wino i sałatki, i smialismy sie do rozpuku. 

W Sylwestra miałam okazje wymienic pare zdan z Andrzejem i przyznałam mu sie, ze wreszcie znalazł sie ktos kto sie mna opiekuje. On przytaknał i był z tego bardzo zadowolony. 

A ostatniego dnia po prostu przyszedł do mnie, poczułam jakby znów wpadł na herbate albo na pyszne hiszpanskie wino i przyszedł sie spytac co tam u mnie dobrego...... a ja nagrałam sie na jego telefon pytajac jak sie ma....

Andrzej w Sewilli a z nim Nina i Lolek Pokojscy

I remember the breadth of the activities; the Holy Land pilgrimage, hiking, mushroom hunting, and the Polish Festival. He was well rounded and well grounded in life and his faith.

Deepest condolences go out to Pani Szewczyk, Beata, Monika and their families. Pan Szewczyk will always be remembered by so many. He was such a staple while we all were in our teens. He invested so much time, energy and patience with the polish teens in Portland. I will forever remember the many amazing trips we took and be grateful that we all had him to show us so many beautiful places that we normally wouldn't have. As time went by, I was fortunate to have him at my wedding and my first daughters baptism. He will always be remembered and missed. May he rest in peace.

Without a doubt, Andrzej was and always will be one of the pillars of Polonia in Portland. He lead by example through his life and work. 
Andrzej was the first Polish person I met when I came to Portland. I am so grateful to have known him. He introduced me to the people of the Polish Parish and Polish Hall. He was also a witness at my wedding at St. Stanislaus Church.
Andrzej was close to God and loved adventure. On a hiking/camping trip to Mt. Jefferson, we encountered what we can only believe was Big Foot, and I have other great memories of adventures: mushroom picking, hiking and camping with Andrzej. 
Andrzej will always have a special place in my heart and he will be truly missed. 

My thoughts are with his family: Elizabeth, Monika, and Beata.

God rest his soul!
Iwona Erbe and Family 





I meet Andrzej through his daughter Monika. Monika and I went to high school together and became friends. Over the years, the Szewczyk's would have Monika and Beata's friends over for BBQs, aka Andrzej making salmon on the grill and Elzbieta making wonderful Polish food. I have such great memories of visiting and eating there. Andrzej loved talking about hiking and the outdoors. This led Andrzej to invite me to go backpacking to one of his favorite places, the Wallowas. I was lucky enough to go on a few trip trips with Andrzej. He was such a kind and welcoming person that loved his family and friends. I feel lucky to have know him and he will be missed.

I first met Andrzej and Ela while watching them on television in the 70's! It was on the Bob Lewandowski show, channel 26 in Chicago and they were dancing the "Cygan" with dance group Polonez. I remember how captivating both their smiles were and how it made me proud to be Polish.
Later, after a strange twist of fate I joined Polonez thanks to Mazurka and I was even more blessed in meeting Andrzej, Ela, Bogdan, Ziggy, and Irene. And what beautiful friendships and memories I have to this day. And always will.
This loss hurts all of us. But I am grateful of the inspiration and pride I will always have because of him.

Andrzej, 
Thank you for your time, generosity and influence you had on our youth. 
For skiing and camping trips, hikes, long talks by the fire, retreats, prayers, dinners in homeless shelters and your house.

Elu, 
heartfelt condolences
from my family to yours...

My deepest sympathies to the Szewczyk family. Andrzej's passing is a tremendous loss. His kindness and friendship was widespread and he touched many people's hearts and minds.

Pan Andrzej is highly respect by all ages because he devoted much of his time to helping others, the Polish community and the Polish youth. He was a kind and gentle soul who loved everyone despite their faults and imperfections. He personally led an amazing transformative pilgrimage to Italy and Medjugorje for the Polish youth that I was lucky to be a part of. It was incredible, not many people can says that they were able to celebrate Easter Mass held by Pope John Paul in St. Peter's Square!

I will always remember Pan Andrzej's smile and laugh. He has left many of us with great memories, but most importantly an example to follow of patience, kindness, faith and love.  

Goodbye Pan Andrzej, and thank you for all that you have done for me, my family and others.

To Elzbieta and family, Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences.

We will always remember Andrzej for his warm smile and kind words. Also, for his involvement with the youth, sharing his love of God and the mountains. Being there always, from the beginning, to help organize and work on Polish Festival. 

Andrzej, may you Rest In Peace and live on in all the hearts you have touched. 



Our deepest, sincere condolences to Elzbieta, Beata, Monika, and their families for their loss. This is also a great loss for our Polish Community in Portland. Andrzej touched and inspired so many people, He was very kind, and warm person. He dedicated his time and was involved with guiding our youth and he was very passionate about our Polish festival.
Andrzej, Rest In Peace, you may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.

To Pani Elzbieta and family.
My deepest sympathy and condolences. I am very saddened at the loss of Pan Andrzej. He always said hello and has been a bright light in our church from the beginning. He was a kind and gracious person, helpful and unselfish. 
He showed much kindness to my mother and my family throughout the years. 
He will be missed and I will look towards his spot at the church, always.
Rest in peace, Panie Andrzeju.
Eldred/Stefaniak families.


We Andrew Golonka and Edward Kolinski lost our Dear Friend Andrzej Szewczyk who passed away unexpectedly while on vacation in Hawaii onJan27.2021. We decided to organize Financial help to the family of our Dear Andrzej Szewczyk through Fundraiser on Facebook. If you wish to help the Family we invite you to FB fundraiser: profile of Edward Karolina Kolinski and look for Fundraiser donate button.
Thank you and God Bless you for your help.


Our sincerest condolences to Elzbieta, Monika, Beata and the entire family. 

Andrzej was a true friend and a unique, wonderful, caring and charismatic man. Thank you for all the memories and all the fun, laughter and times shared. You will be missed and always remembered. 

The Scislowski Family

Pani Elzbietka, Beata, Monika:

First of all, our heartfelt condolences to all of you and your family. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Pan Andrzej. Pan Andrzej was truly a Great man and will be tremendously missed. Pan Andrzej's sense of adventure was like no other...the memories of all the vacations spent together over the years will never be forgotten. Our family road trip to Oregon was an awe-inspiring experience--Pan Andrzej made the best time out of every excursion!  Going back to our childhood in Chicago, all the fond memories our families created together will always be remembered.
Rest in peace, Pan Andrzej...
Our sincere sympathy,  
Robert, Krystyna, Gabriela & Stefan Janik

Andrzej, 
We cannot believe that we will not see you anymore. Thank you so much for all the hikes, backpacking trips, climbing Mount Jefferson, cooking bigos together for the Polish Festival, having us in your home. You cared so much for our Polish Church community! Your faith is such an inspiration for us. Thank you for all the Bible study nights where we discussed so many questions. You know answers to some of them now. Rest in peace, Andrzej. You will be greatly missed.
Our hearts go out to Ela, Beata and Monika and their families.

Our deepest condolences to Elzbieta and the family. This is also a great loss for us and for the Polish Community in Portland. Andrzej, you will always live in our memories.

My friendship with Andrzej started in 1995.  During that year, under the guidance of our parish priest Father Philipowski, Catechism Education classes were started. Andrzej and I were part of that program. Year after year I witnessed, first hand, Andrzej’s faith growing. His desire to praise and please God was evident when inside the Church, during our pilgrimages, trips abroad, or when visiting the Grotto. Even on summer hikes; winter cross-country skiing trips and other pleasure excursions one could not help but notice that Andrzej was interconnected with God. This was especially evident during the recitation of the rosary.  

I am so very grateful to God for the privilege of knowing Andrzej.

I send my deepest condolences to Ela and family,

Prayerfully,
Grazyna 

I am grateful to those sharing their memories of my father here. I love hearing about the ways he inspired others – it means so much to me. Over the past two weeks, I have been reflecting on the things he taught me. From my dad, I inherited my sense of adventure, desire to give, love of nature and just the simple pleasure of taking daily walks. He was always supportive of my desire to travel, volunteer and try to make the world a better place. Being a parent now, I realize how difficult it must have been to see me go so frequently, yet his support never wavered. 

The times I remember and cherish most fondly are the times when I had my father’s undivided attention: dancing the waltz or polka around the house, taking a month-long road trip across South Africa, driving to and from Chicago for a summer internship (during which we stopped at the Tetons to revisit a hike that we had done 20+ years earlier when I was just a toddler on his back – see photos above), and our walks along the river when I would be home between trips since my move back to Portland. 

His sense of giving was unrivaled. As I look through old messages, I’m reminded of all the things he did for us. Whenever I mentioned any problem to him, he had a solution to offer. Just before he left for Hawaii, I mentioned that my bookshelf broke. The next day he came to take measurements, and the following day the bookshelf was fixed. This was not a unique occurrence. 

It’ll be a while before I can accept that he’s gone. It pains me that he won’t be there to take my boys on their first backpacking trip, but thanks to him I know that they will go backpacking, in the Wallowas, and hopefully in the not too distant future. And I know that he will be there with us in spirit. My boys have also inherited his sense of adventure and love of the outdoors, and for this too, I am incredibly grateful. I miss and love you, dad, and I know that you’re at peace and still full of warmth, love and laughter.   

Pan Andrzej was always a very kind, generous person. He took me on my first backpacking trip and introduced me to the magic and beauty of the the Wallowas. He let me borrow all of my equipment and taught me a lot about how to set up camp and navigate the backcountry, and shared his love for it with me. I will always remember him when I am in the mountains, because without him I would probably not be traversing them as often and as easily as I am.
Rest In Peace.

Dear Andrew, there is so much that our family would like to thank you for: you were one of the very fist people who welcomed us to Polish church when we first come to Oregon. You have shared your faith, love of God, neighbor and natural beauty of Pacific Northwest. We could always count on your time and advice, spot at your dinner table, prayer, word of encouragement and recipe for grilled salmon. You were always ready to help others, you have taught our kids kindness, hope and religion. Your smile and joke were always ready to warm up a room. You are gone from us physically but you have enriched us in so many ways that your presence will never leaver our our hearts. We will remember you for whenever we visit our church, your favorite spots for camping, fishing or mushroom picking. Rest in peace our friend! 

Deepest condolences to Elzbieta and family 

The journey of life
Mr. Szewczyk was instrumental in direction, presenting a natural compass towards adventure, laughter, and peace.
The best teachers give and love. He holds high title, A favorite man that taught me to breath outside, and direct - point senses to Earth - God's beauty. 

He loved God, kneeling beside him, one could hear his heart praying, for everyone and everything.
His guiding light was passed to the fortunate youth of the parish. Holding title as “God Father” to so many people. A correct and natural choice to attainment.
In my long walks in the outdoors it’s just natural to have memories of Mr. Szewczyk.

The mountains will miss him, the rivers, the forest and the stars, with everything big and small that comes from those beautiful things will miss him.
I can’t tell you how much I miss him, and I wish - and I wish to had at least one more talk, one more laugh.
When Andrzej looked at you from under his glasses, to see if your serious and then change it to a smile, with him turning away giving a chuckle, 
It’s like your best friend. 

In tears, I write
Pani Ela, Monika, Beata, and Family love you, I’m sorry. This wonderful man will be missed.

Holly, Daniel & Goronski family send prayers.  

I met Andrzej the year I came to the US, in 1974. He was always full of life, having a perspective on life different from others as his adventures demonstrated. We had many occasions to socialize during family gatherings, during our own wedding, during anniversaries and celebrations.

I remember when I was transferring to Seattle for work, we had a chance to get together in Portland.  He took a group of us to explore the local outdoors, a trip into local wilderness.  As I recall, this is what he loved dearly, even to his last day. This is what he and his young family were doing during their spare time and the time was well spent. He thrived while fulfilling his parental duties.  

His talent during his professional life lives with us every Christmas in the form of his glass work. He created two beautiful ornaments with his own hands which were given to us many years ago as a Christmas present. One is a candle in the glass and second is a tree in the glass, the glass shape reflecting an eye tear. Each time we hang them up, we recall the time when Ela and Andrzej came to visit and we had a chance to enjoy their company.
The memories will never die....

Elton John in his song says:
"And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a candle in the wind
Never knowing who to cling to
When the rain set in"

This verse is quite reflective.

Andrzej, we heard of your adventures, trips, and interests and I hope you will share with us again one day. Until then, we have the memories to hold on to.

Love and prayers for Ela, Beata and Monika and their families during this difficult time,
Zbyszek Sierakowski with Grazyna and Ania

Heartfelt condolences from Basia and Janusz Kielpinscy from Bydgoszcz.

We will always remember Andrzej for being positive, welcoming, engaging in conversation, and having a great sense of humor. Our family is grateful that we could get to know Andrzej and Elzbieta and share in some important milestones of our families’ lives. He was so proud of his family, and his face lit when he spoke of his three grandsons, especially about taking them fishing. 
Our daughters looked up to Andrzej as their church youth leader (not just in the classroom but during hiking trips or helping out at soup kitchen for the homeless); his deep faith was an inspiration to all of us. Andrzej epitomized the lyrics “And they’ll know we are Christians by our love”. The church pew that we shared for years will never be the same without Andrzej.
Our deepest condolences to Elzbieta, Beata, Monika, and their families for their loss.
Wieczny odpoczynek racz mu dac Panie, a swiatlosc wiekuista niechaj mu swieci na wieki wiekow. 
The Ryerson family

Dear Andrzej, Thank you for showing us the better side of life. Thank you for your friendship, your good will, and for sharing your passion for life with us. We will never forget our backpacking trips to the Wallowa Mountains, skiing together on the slopes of Mt. Hood, and climbing peaks we never thought we could climb. 

You were so generous with your time, your guidance, and you were always willing to help whomever was in need. Thank you for organizing trips for the Polish diaspora, especially for all the youth at St. Stanislaus whom you taught to love God, the mountains, the wilderness, and to love one another. Dear Andrzej thank you for the 600 mile long pilgrimage journey across the Spanish countryside to Santiago De Compostela, the St. James Way! Thank you for being there, for sharing your faith, for praying the Rosary with us on the trail. 

Andrzej, we will miss you, the mountains will miss you, your memory will be with us forever and when we return to the lake basin under the snow capped peaks we will sit under the moonlit sky and the city skylines will recede into nothingness. Dear Andrzej rest in peace. Wieczne odpoczywanie, Racz Mu dać Panie, A Światłość Wiekuista niechaj Mu świeci. Amen    

Our deepest condolences to Elzbieta, Beata, Monika, and their families. 

-- Ignacy, Aleksandra, Marcin, and Michal. 

Our hearts go out to Pan Andrzej Szewczyk’s family, Pani Elzbieta, Beata, Monika and their families. We were shocked and incredibly saddened to hear about his sudden passing. Memories of our times together have been flooding in. I remember all the trips around Oregon with our Polish youth group in the mid 90’s. Pan Andrzej enthusiastically shared his love of the outdoors with us (camping, canoeing, connecting with nature and one another). He was kind, warm, and generous with his time. I’m sure it wasn’t easy dealing with a bunch of teenagers but he really cared about us kids and was invested in our Polish community. We will forever be grateful to him for those experiences and will continue to reminisce about those days.

The beautiful glass cross in the photo was given to me by Pan Andrzej. Truly special ❤️

Rest In Peace. 
With Love,
Ewelina Kajak and Family

We met Andrzej only couple of years ago, and we really enjoyed his company, his personal warmth and friendliness. We loved to listen to his travel stories and passion to Polish Community. He was such enthusiastic adventurer, always looking for a new destination. We know he just started his new journey and is exploring beauty of Heaven.
Our thoughts are with Ela and family.

In 2007, Monika and I got engaged and moved to Madagascar. Andrzej was the first to visit us that October. Since Monika was working, Andrzej and I flew to the small island of Ile Sainte-Marie for a short trip. I had never spent any time alone with my future father-in-law, so I was a little bit apprehensive. That first day on Ile Sainte-Marie, we rented bikes and explored the island. I soon discovered that Andrzej and I shared a sense of adventure and that he had a great sense of humor. While I can’t remember the details of that trip (possibly related to the beers we shared at night?), I do know that I was completely at ease with him before we’d flown back to Tana.

In the following years we explored Oregon with Andrzej. He introduced me to the Wallowa Mtns and taught our son Kieran how to fish. And always, he entertained us with his stories and laughter. He will be deeply missed.

Andrzej was my brother-in-law and friend. I will always cherish the memories of our adventurous actives fishing, camping, biking, hiking, and skiing. He was a mentor in glass blowing and taught me a skillset that I developed into a lifelong career. I am thankful Andrzej and Ela introduced me to Polonez, which was fun, full of great experiences, and where I learned to dance. 

Andrzej will be deeply missed. 

Love, 
Bogdan, Irene, and family

We were honored to enjoy friendship with Andrzej for the last 7 years. He loved nature and  the outdoors but the greatest love he shared was for people. He was always ready to go above and beyond to help someone in need. My favorite memories are our dinner parties with Andrzej and Ela and mushroom picking with Andrzej. He always knew the best places.
Andrzej touched and inspired so many people, he may be gone from our sight but never from our hearts.
May You Rest In Peace...

Our deepest condolences to Elzbieta and family.

I'm very thankful to Andrzej and Elzbieta for their help when I moved from Sweden to the US in 1996. They invited me to stay at their house for a couple of weeks. I especially remember one day when I let their dog to run freely, and she disappeared. When Andrzej came back home he calmed me down "Don't worry, he will be back". He came back the next day. 

Probable by coincidence I was thinking a lot about Andrzej one day before seeing the message he passed. My memory was rewinding his tales how he was hiking Mt Hood, and all our passionate discussions about the Polish Festival directions. Sometimes we walked the same path in Washington Park several times to have time to discuss all aspects of the festival. 

My sincerest condolences to Elzbieta, Beata, Monika, and your families. 
Marek Stepien

I will never forget Pan Szewczyk’s influence on my life. The outdoor trips he guided in the youth ministry, really gave me a deep appreciation and love for the outdoors. I can recall hiking the misty Mt Hood trails with the group or being packed together in his van, driving the windy paths to places like Timothy or Trillium Lake. It was wonderful that he could share so many laughs with us, and dedicate so much time of himself to share his passions with others. 

Now I’m guiding my little ones on hiking trails and helping them scramble up the rocks. I will be always grateful to him. 

My family sends heart-felt condolences and continued prayers to you Pani Elziebta, Beata i Monika and your families. 

May He Rest In Peace. ❤️
Joanna (Lunkiewicz) Gordon

I had the good fortune of spending time with Andrzej and Elzbieta after becoming friends with Beata and Monika in the late 1990s. The Szewczyks invited me over for dinner around the holidays (they were always incredibly welcoming and generous) and Andrzej asked if I liked decorating my place for Christmas. I said I usually put up a small tree and a few decorations around my apartment, and he asked if I'd like him to make a glass ornament for me. I knew Andrzej was a glass maker but I had no idea about how incredibly talented he was. He said, "Let's go downstairs and I'll make one for you now. What kind of animal would you like?" I was almost in a little bit of shock and had no idea what to expect, and all I could think of saying was, "How about a reindeer?"  

Andrzej ushered me into his workshop with a warm smile and casually explained each step of the process while he crafted two thin, clear pipettes into a stunning piece of art in a matter of maybe 15 minutes. I've never forgotten that moment, and that ornament has always been my favorite. I've carried it by hand with me (along with my dad's vintage guitar) every time I've moved to a new place. Everyone who sees it on display over the holidays asks about it and I love sharing that story and telling them a bit about Andrzej and the wonderful Szewczyk family. 

I was so very sad to hear of Andrzej's passing. Sending lots of love and healing energy to Andrzej's friends and family. We call carry his spirit within us. 

What a wonderful tribute to an amazing man, Pan Andrzej. The Szewczyk family was such an important part of my childhood memories. I have so many fond memories growing up in Chicago, and my parents saying we were going to Pan Andrzej’s house. We were always so excited to go play at the Szewczyk’s. All of our vacations spent together will also be forever engraved in my memory. My most favorite trip was going to the mountains in California. We spent nearly 2 weeks living off the grid, just living on nature and beauty!  Pan Andrzej was the best vacation leader on any vacation trip, and made the most beautiful art out of glass. Pan Andrzej also always made time for others. It was an honor to have the Szewczyk family travel all the way from Oregon to my wedding in Illinois.  

My heart is broken for you, Pani Elzbietka, Beata, Monika and your families. You lost a tremendous father, husband, and grandfather.  

May Pan Andrzej be climbing the tallest, most beautiful mountains in heaven.  

All our love, 
Renee, Jason, Alex, Jake, Luke and Lily Hackney

I worked with Andy for many years at Weiss/Tosoh. He was truly an artisan and great personality.  

My favorite memory is when I commissioned him to make something special for my father's Navy reunion. He made 2 clear glass ornaments with anchors inside. All the veterans who saw it were greatly impressed. When my father passed I inherited it and it remains a great remembrance of both my father and Andrzej.

My sincerest condolences and prayers to the entire family. He will be missed by all he touched in this life.

It’s hard to come to terms that our beloved friend, Andrzej, which we’ve known since 1980, has left us. He was an amazing person. He was a happy, smart, talented, generous, and an inviting friend. We have spent so much time together. Our two week camping trip to the mountains in Wyoming will forever be our most favorite and unforgettable memory. We took countless excursions in those beautiful Wyoming mountains.  Andrzej was the most wonderful tour guide. He always found the most beautiful and adventurous vacation destinations. Some of the trips we took included many camping trips, lots of fire pits in Wisconsin, beach trips to Indiana and Michigan, and so many more. His love for nature and fishing inspired everyone to surround themselves around him.  When Andrzej announced in 1989 that he would be moving to Oregon, it left a sense of emptiness in our hearts. Our families whom spent so much time together would now be so far apart. We missed the entire Szewczyk family so much that in 1992, we took a road trip to Oregon to visit Andrzej’s family.  Andrzej spent so much time showing us the beauty of Oregon. We also enjoyed spending time with Andrzej when he would frequently visit us in Illinois. Our memories of him coming to Wisconsin and sitting by the fire will forever be cherished. In June 2019, Andrzej visited us with Elzbieta, and we never would have expected that this was the last time we would see him. Andrzej will always have a special place in our hearts and minds. 

Rest In Peace our beloved friend. 

All our love, 
John and Helen Janik and family

I worked with Andrzej for 28 years and have learned much from him over the time. His knowledge and talent for working the glass was amazing. He was a great guy. My deepest condolences to the family.

Growing up in our Polish community, Wujek Andrzej was someone I always looked up to. He brought joy and curiosity and laughter to every gathering. I remember dinner parties where he would always take time to chat with myself and the other kids, wanting to know what we were up to, what we were passionate about. I remember trips to Mount Hood, to Cannon Beach, and abroad: Skiing down beautiful mountains, walking along dunes with wind in our hair. His energy and spirit was contagious.

When I first met him he was Wujek the Artist. We received a special handmade glass ornament every Christmas and I could stare at them for hours. As I got older he became a Mentor. His kindness and gentle teaching helped me feel seen and understood during difficult times in my teens. I am forever grateful for all his support. 

Andrzej was part of our family as he was part of so many families he touched, helped, and inspired.

Ela, Monika, and Beata - thank you for allowing us to share these memories. I am heartbroken for your loss. Sending you all my love. 

Wujek was one of the most amazing people that I have ever known. His compassion and love for others was incredible. He was always ready to listen and support you with anything. My favorite memories are in the mountains. He showed me I was capable of so much more than I ever imagined. I will cherish those moments forever. I think if I had to pick my favorite memory it would be finding a giant mushroom while backpacking. He took that mushroom and fried it up like a piece of steak in the mountains with an onion. The best piece of “steak” I have ever had!! My second favorite memory are the walks on the beach. The talks we had will forever be in my heart. 

It was with great sadness that I learned a dear friend and former parishioner of mine, Andrzej Szewczyk was called from this life.
Andrzej was especially after his conversion experience in Medjugorje, greatly involved in all aspects of parish life. He had great love for God and God's children everywhere. We remained in contact after I left St. Stanislaus Parish in Portland and he visited me in Canada, Baltimore and Las Vegas.
May the Lord grant him eternal peace in the the company of loved ones who have already made the passing ahead of him. Swiatlosc  wiekuista  niechaj  mu swieci  na wieki wiekow Amen!

I will forever remember with grateful heart everything Andrzej did for my family, our young generation, our parish and our community... remember him taking our children on many, many hikes and camps, rafting trips... Cooking "bigos" at night, when we run out on the first day of the Polish Festival... Loved to listen to him talking about the amazing places he hiked or visit...  May God reward him with eternal life!  Our deepest condolences for Ela, Monika, Beata, grandchildren and whole family.

We were lucky to be welcomed into the Szewczyk family home several times when Monika, Kyle, and their kids were in town from Africa or Haiti or wherever else they were living at the time. Each occasion, the warmth from the home was the first thing to notice the instant you stepped inside. My favorite memory was watching the master, Andrzej, at work preparing his famous plank salmon, which was always a reason to get excited. No one prepared salmon like Andrzej. We are stunned at this sudden loss and send every condolence and pledge of support to Elzbieta, Beata, Monika, and the rest of the family.

I must have gone to half a dozen BBQs and dinner parties Monika threw, or had her parents throw at their house.😄 Despite very different backgrounds, and a very thick accent, Andrzej had an amazing ability to make people feel very welcomed, like part of the family. He was a great story teller, despite a lil language barrier,  and all of us kids would gather around. His gregarious spirit was truly contagious. I confess I miss those gatherings, in no small part because of Andrzej, and his delicious salmon.

Sam & Greg's wedding - the cake top was custom made by Andrzej.

My condolences on the loss of your father. He was an amazing man. I loved spending time with your family whenever they visited us in Monterey. Your dad's love and pride for you and your family shone in his face. He was so loving and welcoming. I am glad to have known him, even for a short time. May he be at peace.

Najszczersze kondolencje dla Eli, córek, wnuków i całej rodziny Andrzeja. Jest nam wybitne przykro kiedy dowiedzielismy sie o odejsciu Andrzeja. Mimo ze wiele lat nie mieszkamy juz w Portland, to jednak te osiem lat znajomosci z wami bardzo zapisały sie nam w pamieci. Brakuje słów na to co sie czuje, kiedy człowiek odchodzi do wiecznosci. Jestesmy z wami sercem i modlitwa. 
Urszula i Jacek

Dear Szewczyk Family,

My parents and I will always cherish the memories of our visit with you in Portland so many years ago, when Pan Andrzej and Pani Elzbieta took us hiking and showed us the beauty of Oregon. We hiked Mount Hood, visited the beautiful rocky beaches and enchanting mossy forests. I remember how much I got to enjoy horseback riding for something like three hours freely with Monika and Beata. I remember your home being full of music and laughter and joyful hospitality. We really enjoyed that trip and felt so welcomed in your home. Beautiful memories. We will miss him very much.   

Love and deepest sympathy from all of us -Basia, Nitin, Nayan, and Nathan Bhojraj, and Barbara, and Wally Wrobel

OBITUARY

Andrzej Szewczyk

16 May, 1947 – 27 January, 2021

Skyline Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home

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