EMIL KLEBAN
With love and
sorrow, we announce the passing of Emil Kleban on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at the
age of 93 years.
Left to
cherish Emil’s memory are his wife Zofia; son Richard (Sandra); and daughter
Krystyna; as well as granddaughters, Natalia and Ashley.
Emil was born
to Anastasia and Michal Kleban in Hodynie, Poland on February 27, 1921. He and his older brother Bronak enjoyed a
village lifestyle with dogs and horses until they were taken to a Russian
labour camp prior to World War II. Emil
escaped from Siberia and made his way to England via South Africa where he
joined the Polish Contingent of the RAF as a paratrooper. Emil served proudly, during World War II,
winning the Polish Medal of Valour, and after V.E. Day he served during the
Blockade of Berlin. In November of 1947 he demobbed in Nottingham where he
married Zofia Butrymowicz on December 26, 1949.
Working as a
pipefitter Emil and Zofia lived in a large Polish Expatriot community in
Nottingham until 1958. Their son Richard
was born in 1954 and Emil was determined to give him a better life so they left
friends and family and immigrated to Canada in 1958, settling in Winnipeg.
Emil was
always grateful to Joe at St. Vital Plumbing who employed him while he studied
to earn his Canadian plumbing certification. Krystyna Helena was born to Emil
and Zofia in Winnipeg in 1960. Later, he
accepted a job as a plumber with the University of Manitoba where he worked
until his retirement in 1986.
Emil was well
liked and respected by his co-workers as he was a skilled, meticulous worker
who took pride in work and being a good friend. He also was very proud of the
fine home that he provided for his family and the opportunities that he and
Zofia provided for their children and grandchildren.
The family
thanks the staff at Meadowood Manor for the respectful care they provided for
Emil.
A private
family Inurnment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of
flowers, donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba.
Wojcik’s Funeral Chapel & Crematorium,
2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665, is in care of arrangements - wojciksfuneralchapel.com
Wojcik’s
FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM
2157 PORTAGE AVENUE
204 – 897 - 4665
www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com
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