Henry George Grzeskowiak

Henry (Hank) George Grzeskowiak entered into our world on the kitchen table on September 7th, 1939 in Buffalo, New York. He was the third son of Felix and Anna (Pietrowski) and the youngest brother to Phillip and James.

Hank learned his strong work ethic being raised on the family pig farm and in his teen years as a fuel station attendant. He was a 1957 graduate of West Seneca High School. Soon after graduation, he proudly served in the US Air Force (1958-1964) in Radar Operations. After honorable discharge, he began his skilled welding career at Bethlehem Steel Plant (1964-1977). The woods and lakes of Western New York, especially Zoar Valley, is where Hank loved to fish, hunt, and camp.

Hank married Sandra Kaye Smith (daughter of Harry and Pearl Smith) in 1969. Together, they had a son, Andrew and a daughter, Tracy. The family was inspired by his master gardening skills, master home mechanics, and his crazy legs dancing. Many lifelong memories and friendships were made in both family homes and the great outdoors.

In 1977, the family ventured west to Corvallis, Oregon. Hank worked with Sandra’s father in the local Coast to Coast Hardware Store on Circle Boulevard. Hank’s knowledge of fabrication, construction, and tools made him a natural helping customers at the store. He returned to his love of welding at Greenberry Tank and Iron (1979-1981). Many products of his work still hold strong buildings and dot the landscape today. Hank, then found the best of friends during his 17 years (1981-1998) as a welder and mechanic with the Corvallis 509J School District.

Throughout Hank’s years of raising children and his career, he never lost his passion for the great outdoors, gardening, a great road trip, and the Buffalo Bills. He never stopped his love of learning and honed the fine craft of clay sculpting and pottery and kiln firing. Countless kitchen cabinets are filled with “Hankie bowls.” May the mark of “HG” continued to be cherished by those who loved his work.

Hank returned to his roots of Western New York in the spring of 2014. He was reinvigorated by the woods, lakes, back roads, and friends and family, especially his nephew, the late Greg Grzeskowiak. He made his final cross country trek back to Oregon in November of 2020 to live with his daughter and his family. He peacefully passed away December 1, 2020 after days filled with family visits in the comfort of her home.

May his legacy continue to shine through from those who survived him; former wife, Sandra (Smith); son, Andrew; daughter, Tracy (Shaffer); son in law, Jeff; his grandchildren Natalie (21), Emily (18), Justin (12); many very special nieces and nephews, Alice, Mark, Nadine, Lori and Douglas, Kenneth, Jamie; great nieces and nephews, Rory and Hannah, Sabrina, Maia and Daniel, and Collin; and lifelong friends, Michael and June Bronson.

At his request and as a sign of the times, no formal services will be held.