Mr. Edward Urbanski, age 88 years, formerly of North Syndicate Avenue, passed away in St Joseph’s Hospital with family by his side on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011.
Edward was born and raised in Poland, and as a young man spent two years in Siberia as a prisoner of war. Edward was a veteran of the Polish Army, Second Armoured Brigade, serving throughout the Middle East, Italy and the Battle of Monte Casino.
In 1946 he emigrated to Canada, settling in Fort William. He raised a family with his wife Jean, to whom he was happily married for 61 years, and worked for more than 30 years at the Abitibi Mission Mill. Edward was a member of St Casimir’s R.C. Church and Royal Canadian Legion Branch no. 149 since 1948.
He enjoyed the camp that he built with his wife at One Island Lake and his main focus was his grandchildren.
He is survived by his two daughters Diana (John) Ylimaki and Valerie Polson; four grandchildren Amy (Scott), Tanis, Ryan and Kara; great grandchild Lakelan; and relatives in Canada and Poland.
Predeceased by wife Jean in 2008 and son-in-law Don Polson in 2007.
Funeral services for the late Mr. Edward Urbanski will be held on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011 with family and friends gathering in St. Casimir’s Roman Catholic Church for the Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. celebrated by Fr. Andrew Deptula.
Interment will follow in St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation for friends will be held on Wednesday evening from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the Everest Funeral Chapel, 299 Waverley St. at Algoma with Vigil Prayers offered at 7 p.m., followed by a Legion Service of Honour conducted by the officers and members of the Royal Canadian Legion Polish Branch no. 149.
If friends so desire, donations in memory of Edward to St. Joseph's Care Group would be greatly appreciated.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com