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Michal Gdowski
January 1, 1930 - January 30, 2013
Tribute
GDOWSKI, Michal Jerzy — passed away January 30, 2013 at the age of 83. Survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Elizabeth (née Tomiuk), and children Malgorzata Gdowska and Marek Gdowski, both of Poland, Julia Dewar of Ottawa and Katharine Gdowski of Vancouver, and grandchildren as well as his extended family in both Poland and Canada.
Michal was born on January 1, 1930 in Warsaw, Poland. He endured the hardships of WWII, losing his brother and serving as a youth soldier. He received multiple medals for his war service.
Always adventurous, Michal left home at 17 to join the navy. His father, however, wanted Michal to succeed in the family tradition and study law, and so he very quickly returned to school! Outgoing and energetic, he balanced his studies with extracurricular activities such as competitive swimming, fishing, sailing, traveling and leading a jazz band.
Michal immigrated to Canada in 1962, taking up a variety of careers in Montreal and Vancouver such as professional musician, property manager, operations manager and photographer. Most notably, he had a 23 year career with BCIT. As a photographer, his press assignments included such luminaries as Princess Diana and Pope John Paul II.
Michal and Elizabeth fell in love with Oliver and retired there in 2002, enjoying swimming, sailing and great friends.
Thank you to Dr. M. Myslek and Dr. P. Entwistle, and the team of warm and loving caregivers at the South Okanagan General Hospital and McKinney Place, for caring for Michal in his final months.
A funeral service and reception will be held on Monday, February 4th at 11:00 am at Christ the King Catholic Church, Oliver, BC. Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family through www.nunes-pottinger.com.
Condolences
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From: Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service Staff
Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service Staff send our condolences to family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
From: David & Arlone Emmington
Relation: Friend and Co-worker at BCIT
Dear Elizabeth, Julie and Katharine. Our hearts are with you. So sorry for your loss, your husband and father was an honourable man, sometimes struggling with some less than honourable, a few good swear words and moved on with courage and strength of character.
From: Margot Allingham
Relation: workplace colleague
Dear Elizabeth, I am so sorry that Mike has died. I send my sympathy to you and your family . I look back with pleasure to our times at BCIT.
With best wishes, Margot
From: Tracy Miller
Relation: Co-Worker at BCIT
Hi Elisabeth and Family
Our hearts go out to you and your family
Best Wishes
Tracy
From: Mei Young
Relation: Work colleague
Hi Elizabeth, Sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I send my condolences to you and your family. Please take care. Mei
From: Sandy Matsuba
Relation: Co-worker from BCIT
Dear Elizabeth:
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family with deepest sympathy.
Sandy
From: Merilee MacKinnon & George Zizka
Relation: Colleague
Dear Elizabeth. We are sorry for your loss. Mike was such a great guy – full of character and always looked like he enjoyed life. We cherish a beautiful black and white photo he took of us and our young Alex .
May he rest in peace.
From: Ana Maria Ferrinho
Relation: through BCIT
Hi Elizabeth, sorry for your loss. My sympathy to you and your Family. Ana Maria
From: Frank Knor
Relation: Re: My old friend.
For Elizabeth and family,
I have lost another friend and old fishing/photography buddy. I was hoping to see you Elizabeth and Michal when I come out to Kelowna this late Spring. Now I will have to be content with the great memories of our camping/fishing trips and times together. I know you will miss him, as many of us will. I do hope you will give me a call when in Ottawa so we can get together. My deepest sympathy.
From: Susan Walters
Relation: I knew Mike at BCIT
I knew and worked with Mike during his career doing photography at BCIT. Always the consumate professional, he always had time to say hello and was genuinely interested in the people he worked with. The fact that so many BCIT people remember Mike after he left so many years ago speaks to the impact he had here. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
February 4, 2013
Beginning at 11:00am
Location:
Christ the King Catholic Church
35060 - 107th Street (6044 Spartan Street)
Oliver, BC Canada V0H 1T0
A funeral service and reception will be held on Monday, February 4th at 11:00 am at Christ the King Catholic Church, Oliver, BC.
35060 - 107th Street (6044 Spartan Street)
Oliver, BC Canada V0H 1T0
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Flower Fantasy Flowers & Gifts Inc.
6049 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.flowerfantasyoliver.com/
Local: (250) 498-0088 Toll free: (844) 498-0088
Flowers on Main & Reis Boutique
5859 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.oliverflorist.com/
Local: (778) 439-2270 Toll free: (800) 665-9983
Gems and Stems at Eastside
6496 Park Drive, Oliver, BC
https://gemsandstems.com/
(250) 826-0438
Polka Dot Door Floral Design Boutique
8522 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC
https://www.polkadotdoor.net/
(250) 495-2226
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