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
Edward Olszówka
Emma Czerny-Holownia
We are so very thankful to have had Uncle Joe in our life, he meant a lot to our family and kept the memory of my grandmother, his sister Sofia, close by. Sending love to Dany, Kasia, Ania, and Dominique, hope to hug you all soon <3
Colette McKee
I meet Joe through Russ. His father/in-law. I will also remember his gentle manner and his smile.
Ika and Rob Grzeszczak Hindson
It is with much sadness we send our deepest condolences and sympathies. Uncle Jo was a true treasure in a complicated world. He and his sisters survived a long and arduous journey. Jo was a true pioneer who with hard work and determination created a successful business that allowed his family to thrive in a mixed up world. We only knew you through our visit to Ciocia Zojka. You and Dani were always hospitable to us. You will be missed by so many. Thank you for our short but memorable times we shared. Sending many prayers and kind thoughts to you Dani and Kasia, Ania and Nikki.
Krzysztof Sowiński
We are deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Józef. Please accept my deepest condolences upon the death of your husbend, father and grandfather. Józef was an extraordinary person and his loss leaves a huge void. We feel very fortunate to have been able to meet Józef and his family in person. Our thoughts are with you.
Krzysztof, Monika, Iga and Izabela with families (Sowiński familiy from Kraków/Wadowice)
Teresa Bisping
Dear Catherine, Jane sent me the information about your father - let me join friends and family and send you my heartfelt condolences upon his passing... As you gather round him this afternoon for a final farewell, may you treasure all he gave and contributed - and may the Lord's blessing be upon him and all of you he loved dearly! Wieczny odpoczynek racz mu dac, Panie - a swiatlosc wiekuista niechaj mu swieci na wieki!
Kim Czerny-Holownia
We will always cherish our last few visits with Joe. Miko made paella not so long ago, and we had a marvellous time with both Joe and Dany. On another occasion Joe gave me a copy of the new printing of his book, and autographed it to me; a very special remembrance. We then talked about how it had kept Sophie's memory alive too, and how resilient Joe had been. It is astonishing to me how unscathed he was from those experiences; perhaps he and Sophie shared this optimistic and positive outlook, being siblings.
Our hearts go out to all the family; we share your sorrow. Love from Kim.
Victoria Matthews
Dearest Dominique
So so sad to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was such a lovely, wise and gentle man. I feel very fortunate to have met him. Richard sends his condolences too.
Sending love to you, Russ, Marek and your mum, Victoria, Richard and the girls.
Very saddened to learn of death of Jozek Skarzenski I met Jozef and Daniele many times
It was very inspiring to hear the story of journey from Czortkow to Siberia India England to Canada. My Condolences prayer to Daniele and his family.
Zegnaj drogi przyjacielu!