MARTIN CHMIELEWSKI
1918 - 2005
"Dad's Gone Fishing"
Mr. Martin Chmielewski of Taber, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Stella Chmielewski, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 16, 2005 at Taber Continuing Care at the age of 86 years.
Dad will be forever loved and missed by his children; Ron (Sharon) Chmielewski, Brenda Chmielewski, Frances (Sam) Kadoyama and Mark (Carolyn) Chmielewski; his loving grandchildren Aaron (Leanne) Chmielewski, Micheal (Pat) Wiens and Sara Kadoyama and also his precious great granddaughters Kyra and Nicole Chmielewski.
Martin was born at Sacred Heart, Alberta on September 4, 1918 and grew up around the Dawson Creek, B.C. area. In 1939 at the age of 21 years he joined the Canadian Army in Grande Prairie training to be a Gunner. During his Army career he was stationed in Brandon, Manitoba and Nova Scotia and later served overseas in Holland, England, France, Belgium and Germany. In 1946 he was discharged from the Army after a back injury. While home on leave in 1945 he met Stella Bartosek in Raymond at his sister Albina's. Martin and Stella were married on February 15, 1947. After the war Martin worked on a farm in the Cranford area and later when they moved to Taber in 1955 he worked in construction and for Lucerne Foods. He then became custodian at St. Patrick's School and was there until retirement in 1984. Dad was always active. For many years he dedicated his time to Scouts Canada - Flatlands District. He spent countless hours with cubs, scouts and ventures whether it be camping or basic scout training, he did it. The highlight of this was in 1971 when he and Mark were able to travel to PEI for the World Scout Jamboree with other Taber scouts. He spent many hours volunteering his time with the Taber Lions Club, the Royal Canadian Legion, Ducks Unlimited and the Taber Fish and Game. Along with scouting he was Taber Citizen of the Year in 1986 and Sportsman of the year in 1971. In 1993-1994 season he received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award for Dedicated Humanitarian Services from the Lions International Foundation. Martin loved to go fishing and bowling and did so until his health told him to slow down. His woodworking ability was something for all of us to treasure, especially the wishing wells and tulips. We are all proud to say Dad made them. The year following Mom's passing in 1999, Dad became a resident at Clearview Lodge in Taber. How he loved those bingo games. In April 2005 he moved to Continuing Care and resided there until his passing.
Martin is survived by three brothers Peter of Niles, Ohio, Larry (Mabel) of Kamloops, B.C. and John (Margaret) of Pouce Coupe, B.C.; three sisters Albina Zachar of Lethbridge, Julia Johnson of Dawson Creek, B.C. and Vicki (Floyd) Allen of Baldonnel, B.C.; two sisters-in-law Jeanette Chmielewski of Dawson Creek and Helen Chmielewski of Viking, as well as many special nieces and nephews and Stella's brothers and sisters and their families.
He was predeceased by his loving wife Stella; brothers Paul and Frank; brothers-in-law Frank Zachar and Jack Johnson and sisters-in-law Martha and Tracy Chmielewski.
Relatives and friends are invited for Prayers at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006-48 Ave., Taber on Thursday, May 19, 2005 at 7:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, 5009-48 Ave., Taber on Friday, May 20 at 11:30 A.M. with Reverend Mariusz Sztuk SDS Celebrant. Interment to follow in the Taber Memorial Garden.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Martin's name may be made to the Taber Hospital Foundation, Continuing Care, 4326-50 Ave., Taber T1G 1N9 or to the charity of one's choice.