Mr. Kazmir Joseph Pieczonka

Kazmir Joseph Pieczonka

July 8,1948 - October 21, 2011

It is with heavy hearts that the family of our dear Husband and Dad, Kazmir Joseph Pieczonka, announce his sudden passing at the young age of 63 on Friday, October 21, 2011.

Kaz is survived by his wife Gayle of 41 years and children Chris of Fernie, BC and Tammy (Tom) Hutton, and granddogs Cooper and Tucker of Kenora; his father Ludwig (Stella) Pieczonka; sisters Lucy (Ron) Nagle of Alliston, Ontario and Jeannie (Bill) Bays of Kenora, and brother Bernard Pieczonka of Kenora; his brothers-in-law Jesse (Chris) James of Red Lake, Ontario, Gary (Brenda) James of Vernon, BC, Don "Duck" (Joanne) James of Dryden, Ontario, Kirk (Dorothy) James of Kenora, and Tom James of Kenora. Kaz will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Kaz is predeceased by his loving Mother Teofila "Mila" Pieczonka, and Father and Mother-in-law Wes and Doreen James and nephews Darren and Gary James. He is also predeceased by his very best friend Kodie.

My Dad started working with the CPR at the age of 16. He then worked at Kenora Machine and Bill's Towing for many years, where he met two of his greatest friends, Joe Smolak and his predeceased 'Father figure' Harvey Halverson. He then started working on the railroad once again as a Conductor and Engineer. He took pride in his work, even though it meant working long and difficult hours. He was a man who never complained and did what he had to do to provide for his family. On June 5, 2003 my Dad retired at the age of 55, where he fought to find things to keep his time occupied.

My Dad enjoyed taking long walks, gardening, hunting, fishing, playing crib, and cooking strange casseroles that were sure to get rid of any leftovers in the fridge. He also enjoyed taking trips to the States with his loving wife. But most recently, we were so pleased to see the joy in his eyes when his good friend, Dave Green, would call him to go fishing.

I know deep down inside he loved his family more than anything - even more than the Montreal Canadiens, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Pittsburgh Steelers of the 1970's!

My Dad's sense of humour will always live in his daughter whom he nicknamed "Web". His sense of hard work will last in his son, Chris, and his sense of just being there for his family will always live in his wife Gayle. My Dad was a very strong man who never wanted to burden others. He will always be my Hero, the one I look up to. I will always love you Papa Bear!

The family would like to thank Dr. "Buzz" Pedersen and Dr. Dana Walters for their continuous care. We'd also like to thank Cory Jinkerson of Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre for his guidance and caring ways. Thanks for making it just a little bit easier. Also, the kindness of the police officers, especially Gord Adams.

A Celebration of Kaz's Life will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lake of the Woods Cemetery, followed by a get together at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Diabetes Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

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