It is with great sadness that the family of Frederick Macura announces his passing on March 9, 2015 at the Crowsnest Pass Extended Care Centre. Fred was 92 years of age.
Fred was born on July 7, 1922 to Karol and Zofia Macura in Cieszyn, Southern Silesia, Poland. In 1941, Fred was conscripted into the German army and was assigned to their African Corps. He discovered that a Polish Corps was being organized and it was Fred’s deepest desire to fight for his country. When his German Corps was under fire, Fred and a comrade escaped. (Unable to find Fred’s body after the skirmish, the German army awarded Fred the Iron Cross along with a letter to his parents stating Fred was missing in action). Fred was discovered by American troops and was held prisoner and interrogated. He expressed his desire to join the Polish regiment and was assigned to the 2nd Polish Army Corp. For his protection and his family’s, Fred was given the name Jan Stanislaw Bronowicz. He was then transferred into the 5th division and was shipped from Africa to Italy where he fought in the Battle of Cassino as well as many other important battles. Fred was a dedicated soldier and earned the rank of Lieutenant.
At the end of the war, it was not safe for Fred to return to Poland and so he went into a Polish resettlement camp in England where he worked in the mines. Through a series of events, he met Janet Poriz, a Czech woman who lived in Blairmore, Alberta. On October 31, 1948, Fred arrived in Blairmore and they were married on August 25, 1951.
Fred worked for Mannix at their Adanac mine as a driller. When the mine closed he found work with the iron works in Blairmore. He also took English lessons from Miss Sellon. He later gained employment in Calgary with the National Revenue Department and later obtained his degree in commerce. He worked for the Federal Government from 1955 until his retirement in 1985. Fred was very fond of the Lutheran Church and his Polish heritage; he was able to make four more trips to Poland before his father passed away in 1976.
Fred was a lifelong advocate of the Boy Scouts. Prior to WWII, Fred became an Eagle Scout and troop leader. He attended the World Jamboree that was held in Poland in 1932. Fred was involved in the scouting movement for over 30 years in Poland, Blairmore, and Calgary. In 1959, during his first visit back to Poland, Fred was presented with the Scoutmaster medal and the Scout of the Republic medal.
From the time Fred put on a scout uniform, he loved to be well dressed and his family and friends will always remember how he started out every day with a suit and tie, even after he retired. Fred was dearly loved by his family and will be greatly missed. Those who live in our hearts will be with us always.
Left to celebrate his life is Fred’s wife, Janet Macura; brother-in-law Laddie (Dorothy) Poriz; nephew Jim (Patti) Poriz; niece Suzan (Patrick) Kelly; great-nephews Jesse (Stephanie) Poriz, James (Stasia) Poriz and Brent Kelly; great-nieces Jayne (Jeremy) Bridge and Jennifer (Darren) Heide; great-great nieces and nephews Grace & Noah Bridge, Henigrace, Mercy & Xander Poriz, Sophia & Jessica Poriz, and Cora Heide; as well as his extended family in Poland. Fred was predeceased by his parents and his younger brother Karol Otto.
With respect for Fred’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. A family gathering in honour of Fred will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in the memory of Fred may be made to the Lethbridge & District Humane Society (2920 – 16 Ave. N, Lethbridge, AB T1H 5E9) or Trinity Lutheran Church (P.O. Box 1959, Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0). Condolences may be registered at [email protected].
Fantin's Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements. (403) 562-8555.