Peacefully on April 17, 2024, at 94. Sylwester Krzaniak, was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Danuta Krzaniak (nee Flisek) and his sister Janina (Mazurek). He is already missed by his children Michael (Kathleen, nee Dutkiewicz) and Teresa (Richard Jurewicz). He was a proud grandparent of Stefan (Jess Pepin), Ewa (Jordan Rowland), Nick (Kristen Cessford), Daniela, Natalia and Halla.
His early life was one of endurance and survival. Born in France, his family returned to Poland when he was five. During the Russian invasion of Poland in 1940, his family suffered through deportation to Russia.
After the Polish army was reformed, deportees travelled through Persia, India and to refugee camps in Masindi, Uganda. He and his mother were separated from his father and sister during the journey.
In 1948, after six years apart, the family was reunited in England and began to rebuild their lives. After learning English and completing his studies, he was accepted to the Faculty of Medicine at the University College of Cork, Ireland. He travelled frequently to the family home in London, where he met and married Danuta in 1958 and started a family.
As there were few opportunities for senior appointments for obstetrician-gynecologists in England, Sylwester and Danuta chose to emigrate to Canada in 1967 and start a new life for the family. He started a practice in Ottawa and worked at the Riverside Hospital. He was chief of the department for 10 years and helped establish their birthing centre. He retired in 1995.
Throughout his life, he maintained his faith and gave back to the Catholic Church. He served on the St. Hyacinth Church Parish Council, was a founding member of their mission fund and served as a Eucharistic minister. He was an active member of the Friends of the Catholic University of Lublin, Poland, representing Canada when Pope John Paul II visited Poland. He established the Lesniak Foundation promoting the study of moral development in man. In 2012, he was presented with the Pro-Ecclesia et Pontifice medal, the highest award that can be given to laity by the Pope.
Family would like to thank the staff of Timberwalk Retirement Home for their exceptional care and support. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to MS Canada, or the St. Hyacinth Mission Fund.