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Joseph Machelak, age 94, resident of Thunder Bay, passed away on June 16, 2016 with family by his side.

Joe was born October, 1921 in Kolonia Debe near Kalisz, Poland. Joe spent the years during WWII as a forced labourer in Germany and being interned in concentration camps including Auschwitz, Gross-Rosen, Bergen-Belsen. He met his wife, Josephine, in Germany and they immigrated to Canada in 1951.

He worked for CP Rail for 35 years as an inspector in the perishable department. Joe loved being outdoors experiencing nature but he was happiest when he was fishing.

Joseph is survived by his children: Teresa Cody (Ross) Thunder Bay; Zygmunt Machelak (Mary Toohey) Surrey, BC; Diane Drahovzal (Milos) Surrey; Janine Laughton (Bill) Mississauga. Grandchildren: Stephen Cody (Marnie) Courtice, ON; Maureen Cody (Bob Baillie) Thunder Bay; Bridget McCart, New York; Kasia Machelak (Albert Kopec) Surrey; Susannah Machelak (Raime Bornstein), Victoria, BC; Laura Drahovzal (Jeff Ogborne) Ottawa; David Drahovzal (Deanna) Ottawa; Andrew and Adam Laughton, Mississauga. Great-grandchildren: Aidan and Ainslee Cody, Courtice; Matraya, Hannah, Elizabeth Kopec, Surrey; Lachlan Mitchell, New York; Kolja and Petr Drahovzal, Ottawa, and many nieces and nephews in Poland. We would like to thank Joe Plewa, Teresa Huryn, Walter Hrynkiewicz for their kindness and friendship.

Joseph was predeceased by his wife Josephine in 2006 after 60 years of marriage. According to his wishes, Joe will be cremated and a celebration of life will be held at the Victoria Inn at 12 noon on Friday June 24, 2016 with Words of Remembrance shared at 12:30pm.    

We love you, Tata.

Thank you for your generous heart.

Joseph Machelak will be remembered in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove.  Annual dedication service Sunday, June 11, 2017.

 




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