1940 - 2020
It is with great sadness that the family of Janusz (Jan) Konarzewski announces his passing on August 26, 2020, at the University of Alberta Hospital. Janusz was born in Warsaw, Poland. At the age of 7 he escaped to England to join his parents Marian and Lucyna Konarzewski. He lived for many happy years in Yorkshire and received his Batchelor of Technology (Hons) in Aerodynamics at Loughborough University in 1964. He worked for Hawker Siddeley in Hatfield and transferred to De Havilland in Toronto. The family emigrated to Canada in 1965. In 1966 he was contracted by the Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment in Cold Lake, Alberta. Janusz and family returned to England in 1969 so that he could take his MSc in Rocket Propulsion at Cranfield University. He returned to Cold Lake in 1970 as the Data Centre’s Engineer-in-Charge. He brought his family to St. Albert in 1976 and worked with Transport Canada. In 1979 he moved to the Alberta Government Department of Transportation and Utilities where in in 1983 he became Head of Research and Development.
He loved to fly. Whilst at Cranfield he gained his Private Pilot’s License. At CFB Cold lake he joined the flying club and through his work was privileged to fly in the 104 and F5 fighter jets. Along with his love of all things winged, he developed hobbies that highlighted his artistic and technical talents. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, travelling, restoring antique cars, building boats, repairing antique stained glass, woodworking, and sports. He made lifetime friends wherever he lived. He loved every moment with his family, especially in the countryside in England and Canada. After retirement he took up wildlife photography with great success.
Jan will be lovingly missed by Kathleen, his wife of 57 years: much loved children, Andrzej, Marek (Karen) and Mariette (Darcy); grandchildren, Aron, Ashley, Brittani, Rachelle, Danielle, Alyssa, Kyle, Kurtis, Leanne (Brian); and great-grand baby, Benjamin. He will be dearly missed by his beloved sister, Ela (Caroline); nephew, Luke Owen of Oxford; and brother-in-law, Peter Owen. He is predeceased by his parents and sister, Halinka.
The family would like to commend the amazing knowledge and skills of the Doctors of the University of Alberta Hospital and the constant care of the nurses on Unit 5F3. Special thanks also to our family physician, Dr. Eric Tredget of the MacEwan University Health Centre and to Father Ignacy Warias and the OMI Priests of the St. Albert Parish Roman Catholic faith community.
Flowers are welcome or if you so choose a donation may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions a Private Funeral Mass will be held on September 2, 2020 at 1:30p.m.. To view the Funeral Mass and send condolences please visit www.fostermcgarvey.com
Foster & McGarvey Funeral Home
St. Albert Chapel
(780) 458-2222
