Obituary of Tony Budzik
Tony (Antoni Adam) Budzik
Clergy
March 26, 1961 – December 9, 2023
Tony was born in Poland in 1961 and was laid to rest in Brandon, Manitoba on December 15, 2023, after suffering from a long-term illness. He is predeceased by his parents, Irena and Stanislaw Budzik and is survived by his brother, Andrzej and his sister, Alicja and their families. Left also to hold Tony in their memories is his beloved wife, Jolanta and their three children: Alexis, Andy and foster son Daniel of Brandon, Manitoba, mother-in-law Kazimiera, brother-in-law Krzysztof, and friends.
Over the course of his life, Tony lived a series of extraordinary chapters in different countries and cities such as Poland, Italy, Vatican, and Canada. While serving in these communities, many lives were touched by his integrity and his ability to connect so deeply with people. His interest was always genuine and heartfelt.
Something that resonated with Tony was a Hebrew phrase “Tikkun Olam” which means repair the world while focusing on the present, rather than on the afterlife. As a spiritual leader, Tony had always sought to do just that in every community that he served. It was important for him to take care of people – to guide them and love them so that they could be spiritually and emotionally strong today so that they can face tomorrow with faith and integrity.
Tony, indeed, had many great attributes; one of those was how he loved helping others. He was such a great listener, and he had a way about him – a special gift - that enabled him to create a safe, emotional space for individuals – a space in which they could be heard and seen. These gifts really facilitated him to reach people with his words and conversations. In this way, he established amazing, enduring friendships throughout his many years of service with people from all walks of life and faiths. His generous nature, his optimism and always seeing the best in people and not paying attention to their faults pushed him tirelessly towards helping others, and for Tony, this was his reward.
While some may have wanted to place him upon a pedestal, by which most clergymen feel honoured, Tony pushed these pedestals aside. He would not stand above or over anyone. Instead, he understood that who he was, was not based on a title, position or money, but on the impact, he could have on the world or the community around him. He accomplished this by being true to himself and to those whose lives he would touch.
Tony was a man of integrity, honour and faith. All in all, this is the essence of who Tony was in his physical life, and may he be remembered as such by his friends and loved ones.
Family is deeply grateful to all who provided emotional supports during these difficult times.
Thank you for the participation in the grave side service including pall bearers, Brockie Donovan staff, and special thank you goes to Rabbi Allan Finkel, Pastor Roy Jamieson, George Michniewicz and Brian Dressler.
Mountain Andrews SDA Church. 377 Andrews St., Winnipeg, MB will be hosting a Memorial Service for Pastor Tony Budzik on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honour of Tony to the Humane Society for animals or to any charitable organization of your choice.
