It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joe Macewicz of Blairmore, Alberta. He was called to be with the Lord on May 16, 2014 at the Crowsnest Pass Health Care Centre at the age of 94 years.
Joe was born on December 1, 1919 in Poland. He grew to be a hard working young man who had a great sense of pride in his country. Joe put these qualities to good use when he joined the Polish army in 1942 to fight alongside the British Battalions. He served in Seria, Persia, Pakistan, Afganistan, did a tour in Italy and bravely fought in the Battle of Monte Cassino. He fought for our freedom and we are proud of his sacrifice and courage.
Joe arrived on the SS Robin at Pier 21 in Halifax on November 11, 1946. From there, he crossed the country by train to Coaldale, Alberta where he worked on the Rutts’ family sugar beet farm. Joe only worked there for a year, but the friendship he formed with his employers lasted a lifetime. In 1948, Joe relocated to Blairmore where he met the love of his life, Tekla Ferstay. The two were joined in holy matrimony on May 13, 1950 and were later blessed with a wonderful daughter, Helen.
Throughout his life, Joe enjoyed watching wrestling and other sports on television. He also enjoyed hiking, berry and mushroom picking, hunting, fishing, taking care of his beautiful garden and yard and long drives to get ice cream while watching for deer. He was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion and his kind nature was evident in his love for animals. Joe cherished his family above all else and his happiest times were those spent in their company. Although he is gone from our eyes, he will remain forever in our hearts.
Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life include his loving daughter, Helen (Bill) Niemeyer of Olds, AB; his cherished grandchildren, Katherine (Keir) Steele, Bonnie Niemeyer, Tammy (Rob Ogilvie) Niemeyer and William Niemeyer; his cherished great grandchildren, Logan Niemeyer, Liam, & Quinn Steele, and Koaltyn & Brodie Ogilvie; his extended family and the many friends he made throughout his lifetime.
He was predeceased by his wife, Tekla; his parents, Bronislava and Alexander; his brothers, Jon, Zigmunt, Watslave; and his sisters, Valaria and Genya.
The Memorial Eucharistic Service honoring Joe’s life was held on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at 11:00am at the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Blairmore with Deacon Renso Castellarin presiding.
Donations in memory of the late Joe Macewicz will be gratefully accepted by the Veteran’s Food Bank, 1, 4539 – 6 St. NE, Calgary, AB T2E 3Z6. Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.
Fantin’s Funeral Chapel assisting the family with arrangements. (403) 562-8555.