Thaddeus Konopacki

WWII VETERAN

Thaddeus (Ted) passed away suddenly at the Ottawa Hospital in Ottawa, Ontario on December 29, 2014 in his 91st year surrounded by his family. He was the loving husband of Eva Konopacki (nee Poninska) and a devoted father to Barbara Ellis (Steve), Margaret Konopacki, Joan Garvey (Pat), Irena Konopacki-Kubina (James). Ted had seven grandchildren and he was a proud grandfather to Lauren, Tyler, David, Tara, Gregory, Aaron and Natasha. Ted graduated with Honours in Architecture from the Royal Academy of Art in Liege, Belgium after being liberated from a Nazi prisoner of war camp in 1945. Ted had served as an Officer in the Warsaw Underground Army (AK) and because of his courage was decorated with the Cross of Valor. He immigrated to Montreal, Canada in 1951 and within the vibrant Polish community met Eva Poninska – the love of his life -- who he married. The couple settled in Ottawa and Ted worked for the Canadian Government and ran his private Architectural practise. He was a member of the Polish Combatant’s Association. He participated in charity organizations like: CESO and supported Catholic missions. In community work he was active in the Polish Canadian Congress and he was a Principal of the Polish Saturday School for 3 years and continued his support. He had many hobbies; one was music. He played the violin in the amateur Symphony Orchestra for 30 years. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. Ted and Eva were able to enjoy travelling to various places around the world and celebrated 60 years of happy marriage this year. Ted was an unassuming, family man. He was creative and courageous. His generosity and kindness will be always remembered. The whole family is deeply grateful for the extra ordinary support and compassion offered by the Ottawa General Hospital 8th floor staff.

Friends and family may pay their respects Jan 2, 2015 at McEvoy-Shields, 1411 Hunt Club Rd. from 2 to 4 or 7 to 9:00 p.m. Rosary will be at 8:00pm.

Funeral Mass, Saturday January 3, 2015 11:00 am at St. Hyacinth Church, 201 LeBreton St. Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to: St. Hyacinth Mission Fund