Roman Rojek

ROMAN  ROJEK

(1926-2016)

    Mr. Roman Rojek of Blairmore, Alberta, fought his final battle passing away into the arms of our Lord on September 7, 2016 at the Crowsnest Pass Health Care Centre at the glorious age of 90 years.

   Roman was born March 10, 1926 in Jaroslawicze-Wolyn, Poland to Stanislaw and Juzefa Rojek. Throughout his life, Roman faced adversities that would defeat most people.  On February 10, 1940, he and his family were harshly deported to Siberia and he was released on amnesty from the labor camp on February 10, 1942.  Overcoming starvation and constant physical exhaustion, and although under age, he enlisted the in Polish Armed Forces and was later evacuated from Russia via Persia to England in 1942.  In 1944, he fought in Normandy, France, Holland and Germany and served in the 1st Polish Armored Division in Western Europe and by the end of the war was honourably discharged.

    In 1947, he immigrated to Halifax, Canada and travelled across Canada to Lethbridge where he laboured on a beet farm. He met the love of his life, Marcelina Zoledziewska, and they were married on April 29, 1950. He worked in the coalmines and railway. In 1951, Roman moved to Barons and later to Vulcan to work for the CPR and in 1952, he moved to Coleman.  He made Blairmore his final home in 1958. He worked for the CPR for 33 Years until his well-earned retirement in 1984.

   Roman had an interest and talent for mechanical work, carpentry, gardening and photography as well as learning about history and WWII.  He appreciated the majestic mountains of the Pass and its people.  Throughout the many severe trials and tribulations in his life, including his recent compromised health, Roman remained positive and grateful with wonderful sense of humor and a quick smile.   Although he was an inspiration and strength to all of us, it was his love for his family, friends, and faith in the Lord that he would want to be remembered.

   He is survived by his daughter, Krystyna (Ranald) Ross of Calgary; his sister, Mary Kepa of Nanaimo; and numerous nieces, a nephew; extended family, and all those he knew throughout his lifetime.

  Roman was predeceased by his cherished wife, Marcelina; his mother, Juzefa Rojek (nee: Golec); his father, Stanislaw Rojek; his stepmother, Elizabeth Rojek (nee: Podolska); his stepsister, Boguslawa; his brothers, Eugene and Walter; his stepbrothers, Bogdan and Henryk; his nephew, Edward Kepa; and his nieces, Helen Rojek and Diane Rymell.

   The Funeral Mass will be held on September 12, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Blairmore with the Very Rev. Fr. Jack Pereira VG and Fr. Ben Marino officiating.  Interment followed in St. Anne’s Cemetery. Special tributes provided by the family and the Royal Canadian Legion.  Donations in memory may be directed to the Crowsnest Museum (Box 306, Coleman, AB T0K 0M0) or to the CNP Polish Hall Society (Box 801, Coleman, AB T0K 0M0).   Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

Fantin's Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements. (403) 562-8555.

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