Jacek was an athlete, first. He was a winemaker, a gardener, a dancer, a singer, an electrician, a carpenter, a mason, a sculptor, an artist, a philosopher, a historian, a chef, a traveler, a city guide, a pilgrim, a confidant, a councillor, an entertainer, a refuge and a refugee, a surrogate, a leader, a protester, an adventurer, an instigator, a peacemaker, a connoisseur, an entrepreneur, a politician, he was whatever you needed him to be. But, his most important role was with his family.
Jacek Luczak was born on June 21st, 1959 in Wroclaw, Poland. He was the eldest of four brothers, including Marian (Beata), Waldek, and Jozef (Ewa). He was predeceased by his father, Jozef, and mother, Marianna.
Jacek married Stanislawa on October 11th, 1980. Facing the prospect of raising his family, as he had been, under communist Poland, he opted to escape to Italy - and began to seek asylum in Canada - a country he had heard had opportunity from sister-in-law Zofia - he didn't speak of word of Italian, nor English; that couldn’t deter him.
Like many immigrants, he did what he knew how to do best - he worked hard. He worked hard at a variety of odd jobs throughout Rome until he secured a sponsorship to Thunder Bay - a city he called home since December of 1989 - with the support of the federal government and Redwood Alliance Church. He took pride in all of his work and more importantly the dignity of providing for his family despite any hardships or obstacles. After attaining his apprenticeship, he worked as an electrician until he was layed off in 1994. After spending a few months on government support, Jacek, as always, was busy learning another craft and soon opened the doors to Swan Hardwood Flooring through which he shared his talent and craftsmanship throughout our city.
He never taught us how to throw a curveball or a spiral. He taught us everything else - like the importance of family, aspiration, perseverance, education and hard work. He was proudest of the achievements for his children: 5 university degrees, three college diplomas, one RN, one Quality Manager, one dedicated volunteer, one development officer, one champion wrestler and personal support worker, one personal trainer and therapist who all like to argue a lot and refuse to back down from a challenge.
After he opened his business in 1995: he continued to explore and develop his passions and interests - he did so all of his life. He made wine in early fall much to the delight of his friends and planted the most fruitful vegetable garden annually. He loved growing everything from tomatoes, cucumber, beans, squash, tomatillos, herbs, beets, and potatoes. More importantly, he always made time for his family and friends.
He insisted on hosting almost every holiday gathering at his house where dozens extended family members, friends and sometimes strangers, would feast for Easter and Christmas every year. He cherished his hosting duty and each event regardless of the occasion - he just loved entertaining and providing for others. Every weekend he would take his family on unforgettable excursions; from Wawel Castle, to the Vatican Museum, to picnics at Hazelwood. These and many other experiences shaped the larger than life man he became famous for.
Through to his end he was committed to this love of his family. He loved being our family patriarch and we loved him in that role even more. Jacek (Jack) passed away at TBRHSC on May 24th, 2018 at the age of 58, vigilantly supported by his family throughout his battle. He is survived by his devoted wife Stanislawa (Stasia) his brothers, six loyal children Filip, Joanna, Marta Nesti, Alexandra Calderon,Michael, Jacob, one daughter-in-law Sarah, two sons-in-law Michael Nesti and Andrew Calderon, six loving grandchildren Kaiya, Ania, Mikolai, Jack, Maximilian, Theodore and a gaggle of cousins, nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at ST.PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL on 201 Archibald St. S in Thunder Bay on Tuesday May 29th from 6-8 pm with Rev. Msgr. P.M. Stilla V.G. presiding at prayers at 7pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL, on Wednesday, May 30th, 2018 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers the family encourages any expressions of sympathy be made to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation Clinical Trial Fund (to support Dr. Olexiy Aseyev’s cancer research and clinical trials).
The family would like to especially thank Dr. Olexiy Aseyev, Dr. Kathleen Simpson and Dr. Marion Haggarty for their endless effort and to have never wavered in supporting Jacek in his fight. Thanks also to the many nurses and staff who cared, supported and often shared jokes with him. Your empathy made a tremendous difference to not only Jacek, but to his entire family.
Jacek Luczak will be remembered in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 9, 2019.
