Obituary of Wofciech Albert Gacek

Wojciech “Albert” Gacek of Calgary peacefully went to join his Lord in the early hours on Friday, December 26, 2003 at the age of 83 years. In 1946 after serving in World War II, Albert immigrated to Canada from Szczawnica, Poland. From that time until 1951, Albert was a farm worker in the Sundre area. Joining CP Rail in 1951, Albert began his thirty year career with the railway, retiring as a Supervisor in 1981. In 1952 he married Selma Kauxhaus in Calgary and the following year moved into the home they built together and in which Albert passed away. With retirement, Albert and Selma were able to relocate to their acreage in Herrogate, BC where they enjoyed entertaining and gardening. The rose was one of Albert’s favorite flowers to grow. Selma predeceased him in 1988, with Albert returning to their Calgary home in 1995. Family, friends and his Lord were very important to Albert who was kind and compassionate. He loved visitors, to be entertaining and to make people laugh. He was fluent in seven languages, was an accomplished accordion player and singer, a graceful dancer, enjoyed traveling, and took great pride in his sausage making. Albert successfully completed any task at hand be it electrical to carpentry. He had a zest for life and lived life to the fullest. Albert is survived by his son David (Gloria Fantin) of Airdrie; close companion and friend Frieda Osipow and family of Calgary; three sisters and their families in Poland; a sister-in-law and several nieces and nephews in Canada; and many close friends in Canada and abroad. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady Queen Of Peace Polish Catholic Church (2111 Uxbridge Drive N.W.) on Friday, January 2, 2004 at 10:30 A.M. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. To forward condolences go to www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 1825 Park Road S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 3Y6. Telephone: (403) 264-5549. www.heartandstroke.ca. In living memory of Albert Gacek, a tree will be planted at Nose Creek Valley by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, CALGARY, TELEPHONE: (403) 276-2296.