Obituary of Edward Clarence Malazdrewicz

MALAZDREWICZ: Peacefully, on October 18, 2019, Edward "Ed" Clarence Malazdrewicz passed away at the Assiniboine Centre in Brandon, Manitoba. Ed was born on July 28, 1929 in Glenella, Manitoba, the second youngest of Nicholas and Genevieve (Roscowicz) Malazdrewicz. With 4 brothers and 2 sisters, Ed learned early the value of family, faith and hard work. Dad began his working career at the age of 17 as a teacher, teaching for one year. He then found employment with CN Rail, starting as a Telegrapher, then Station Agent and finally Train Dispatcher, working with CN Rail for 41 years, retiring in 1989. During one of his visits home, Dad met the love of his life, Muriel Zagula. They were married in 1953 and together, raised a family of 6 children. Family was the centre of Ed's life. Traditional Polish Christmas Eve dinners, dancing with Mom and hat parties with grandchildren were regular events. Dad and Mom spent several winters traveling to Texas and Mexico, enjoying the adventure in their motorhome. Poland, however, held a very cherished place in Dad's heart. Dad was proud of his Polish heritage, maintaining his Polish language and connections with family in Poland. He visited Poland twice, meeting family and visiting places that were dear to him, and returning with stories of both joy and sadness. Dad's door was always open to family who travelled from Poland and he continued to maintain contact with them through regular phone calls and later, email and video calls. Dad was the happiest when his home was filled with visitors whom he welcomed with joy and warmth. Dad did not ever do things half way. His home and yard were examples of his focus. His neighbors and, especially, his sons were hard pressed to match the perfection of his lawn and garden. He had a natural green thumb, creating a yard that was the envy of all who enjoyed it. Dad cherished his time with his children, grandchildren and most of all, his great grandchildren. He was a beloved Dziadzia to his grandchildren and Prau Dziadzia to his great grandchildren. He could often be found teaching grandchildren and great grandchildren the fine art of making the perfect perogy, patiently giving a driving lesson, or sitting on the floor playing with the newest member of the family. He cherished the role of mentor and supporter, proudly displaying and recounting the accomplishments of each of his family to all who would listen. Dad was a Life Member of the Polish Gymnastic Sokol Association, sitting on the Association Board as well as the Board of the Sokol Assisted Living Centre. Dad was a devoted member of St. Augustine's of Canterbury Church since 1960. He served on Parish Council, serving two terms as Trustee. He was also an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus, 3rd degree. Dad's deep faith sustained him throughout his life, providing him peace as he coped with the loss of his soul mate, Mom, and during the last days of his own life. Ed is predeceased by his parents, Nicholas and Genevieve, grandson Matthew Malazdrewicz, an infant sister, Agnes and a brother Walter, who died at the age of 9. Dad was the last surviving sibling, being predeceased by his sisters Stella and Emily, and brothers Albert, John, Tony and Frank. He is survived by his children Greg (Roberta Graham), Teresa (Greg) Kindrat, Michael (Kathryn Stitt) Malazdrewicz, Deborah (Malcolm Doupe) Malazdrewicz, Patricia (Richard) Christman, and Edward (Andrea Larson) Malazdrewicz, 18 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. A Celebration of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, October 26th, 11:00 a.m. in St. Augustine's of Canterbury Church. Urn bearer will be his oldest grandson, Timothy Kindrat. Interment will follow later in the afternoon for family. In lieu of flowers, friends may wish to send a donation in his memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 110-1525 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON K1Z 8R9 or to a charity of your choice.