Jan "John" Stefan Dudzic

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Jan "John" Stefan Dudzic; a dedicated Hamilton teacher, an avid athlete and a muti-faceted, gentle man. He breathed his last on April 4, 2025, surrounded by family and friends.

John was born in Tilleda-Kelbra, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany in 1943, liberated by American troops in 1945, moved to Zwartberg, Belgium in 1947 and finally immigrated to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada in 1953, travelling by train to London, Ontario.

John's formative years were spent on a variety of small farms in St. Mary's, Lambeth and Harrow where he attained his education in 1 and 2 room schoolhouses. Due to early exposure, he tried to maintain some fluency in Polish, Flemish and French throughout his lifetime and would practice conversational language with anyone he could. John became a Canadian citizen in 1963, graduating from London Normal School in 1965. In 1966, he began his teaching career with the Hamilton Board, retiring in 1998. Along the way, he earned a B.A. from Wilfred Laurier University and in 1979, gained a Master of Science in Education Degree from Niagara University.

John devoted his life to education and encouraged curiosity, critical thinking and kindness, inspiring generations of students to reach their full potential. His students will remember his genuine consideration for their individuality, his unwavering support and his authentic dedication to their success.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Jan (1961) and Jozefa Dudzic (1999), his step-father, Walter Kulakowski (1994) and his nephew Jonathan S. W. Dudzic (2012). He is survived by his wife, Alma; his sister, Mary; his brother, Wit (Maria); and his brother, Jerry (Judy), as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their extended families.

With natural athletic ability, John also enjoyed spending his time volunteering, organizing and participating in a variety of sports. He tried out for the Canadian Men's Volleyball Team and was a University Greco-Roman wrestling champion. He played hockey, volleyball and tennis. John was a force on both local and travelling Slo-Pitch teams in his senior years, volunteered as a volleyball coordinator for the Sackville Rec Centre where he also called BINGO and enjoyed curling at the Victoria Club.

John was truly "down to earth", a conservationist and an outdoorsman. He puttered in the garden where he babied his tomatoes, tinkered with his lawnmowers and other machinery and was personally responsible for nurturing the growth of hundreds of trees. He also enjoyed camping, orienteering, fishing and bird-watching.

John loved to create systems and strategies to solve puzzles and relished games of checkers, chess, euchre, and bridge. He collected memorabilia and hearts. Hardworking, humble and reserved, John was always eager to share his experiences and knowledge with others. He was the epitome of a generous spirit, offering strength and assistance in any situation. His vibrant vitality, laughter and warmth enveloped all who were privileged to know him.

Thanks to Dr. Badawi, Dr. Naeem and Dr. Wang for their diagnostic expertise, those PSW's who assisted John at home and the staff on 5 West and 8 West at the General Hospital for their care of John in his final days. Special thanks to Meghan, the "sweet" nurse; it was a difficult journey, but your calming patience and kindness meant so much.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, in memory of John Dudzic, to support research in the study of Lewy Body Dementia would truly be appreciated.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life, in an open house format, is planned for Friday, May 2, 2025 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Cresmount Funeral Home, 322 Fennell Ave. E. Hamilton, ON. This will be an opportunity for family, friends, colleagues, and former students to honour John's legacy. Private interment at White Chapel Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the Dudzic home address or online at www.cresmountfennellchapel.com