Joseph Skarzenski passed away in Ottawa on August 6th, 2024, at the age of 91. He was the loving husband of Danièle (née Large) for 67 years and a devoted father to Catherine, Anne and Dominique (Russ Phillips) and proud grandfather to Alexander, Jonathan (Karine Makhijani Malagon), Joshua, Maya and Marek. He was predeceased by his two sisters Zofia and Mary; and leaves behind beloved nieces and nephews.
Joseph was born in Krakow, Poland in 1933, and was deported to Siberia as a child with his mother and two sisters. His journey continued for five years in an orphanage in India, followed by years in England where he met Danièle. After working as an engineer, he emigrated to Canada in 1957, where he later built a successful manufacturing company.
This extraordinary journey shaped him into a generous, empathetic, entrepreneurial, sharp witted and humble individual.
He recently published his memoir Marek’s Coat. Joseph was truly inspirational to so many.
Friends are invited to gather at the Sacred Space of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa on Monday August 19th after 12 noon. Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. followed by a reception.
Music was a big part of Joseph’s life, we encourage you to attend a music concert of your choice in his memory in lieu of flowers or donations.
Digital Guestbook
Mark Clemann
Mark and Lily Clemann
We miss Joe so much.
Palmer
Joe was a truly inspirational individual. He did a lot for me over the years. He am truly blessed to have known him.
Shirley and Jake Friesen
A true friend, blessing us with many fond memories.
George Czerny-Holownia
It is with profound sadness that my wife Nancy and I send condolences to the Skarzenski family in the death of my Uncle Joe. It is the end of an era, as Joe's life took him on an incredible journey, documented in his book "Marek"s Coat". This book, which told of his family's struggles from leaving Poland, going to Siberia and eventually making a new life in Canada, should be required reading in secondary schools. Our hearts and prayers are with my aunt Dany and my cousins.
Murray Milne
Joe welcomed me into the family and I will never forget his love and generosity. I admired Joe greatly and I shall miss his friendship.
Jack & Heidi Adjami
We met Joe and Daniele after our retirement in Sarasota Florida. We enjoyed each other company and shared our immigration experience. We shall miss Joe's smile. His memory remains with us. Our condolences to Daniele and his family.
Alex Irwin
Dear Danièle, Kasia, Ania, and Nika:
Very saddened to learn of Joe’s death. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Joe told me years ago that he came to Canada with an empty suitcase. It was empty because he had nothing to put in it, but he brought a suitcase because everyone else had luggage and he thought he should, too - testimony to Joe’s ability to fit in, to integrate. But he did much more than integrate - much, much more, indeed.
Joe’s resilience, intelligence, and innovative nature - in partnership with Daniele - ensured that he and his family thrived in Canada. From an empty suitcase to security and prosperity for himself and the loving family he and Daniele built together. That’s an extraordinarily marvellous and admirable journey. One of which his family can be very proud.
Moreover, Joe was a generous person - with family in particular. I remember him well as having always been supportive and encouraging of the initiatives and interests of his offspring and their families. This I greatly admired.
The world needs more people like Joe - intelligent, innovative, resilient, family-oriented, community-minded, quietly generous, and modest. He will be, and is, missed by all who knew him.
Sincerely, and with affection.
Alex
Murray Milne
I will miss you Joe. I admired your kindness and determination. You will be remembered for your immense generousity to friends and family. Daniele, Kasia, Anne, and Nika please accept my sincere condolences.
Jason Leclair
It has been a pleasure seeing Joe as his family physician for the past decade or so. I know I've only seen a snapshot of what was an extraordinary life, but I can see he was a kind, family-oriented and generous man. I will miss our visits. My condolences to the entire family.
Jason
Joe Skarzenski — my best friend