Obituary of Stanislaw Michael Kolanos

Stanislaw (Stanley) Michael Kolanos, beloved husband of Anna, of Calgary passed away on Thursday February 22, 2007. Stanley was born on March 9, 1915, in Karmin, Poland, the second child of Michal and Antonina Kolanos. He grew up in his family home in Pniewy, leaving to serve in the Polish army in World War II. After five years as a prisoner of war he emigrated to Canada in 1950. Stanley worked as an independent cement contractor over the next thirty years and built award winning swimming pools in the city. He was a long standing and active member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Polish Parish serving many years on the parish council. One of his most cherished memories was his pilgrimage to the Vatican for an audience with his countryman Pope John Paul II. He was involved in the building of the Polish Canadian Cultural Centre and was a lifelong member. Well read and keenly interested in the world around him, he was loved and respected by friends and family who enjoyed his easy laugh, his sharp wit and his ability to tell a good story. He loved a challenge and was a master chess tournament player. Dziadziu enjoyed his grandchildren, encouraging them to follow their dreams and supporting them in their accomplishments and involvements, from the arts and dance to their academic pursuits. An avid sports enthusiast, he rarely missed an opportunity to see his grandsons play hockey. In retirement he nurtured many interests including gardening and growing spectacular flowers, writing, creative artistic efforts, his interest in discussing politics and long walks by the river with his dog Burek which all served to keep him “young at heart”. Stanley was inseparable from his loving wife Anna, and was looking forward to celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on April 7th of this year. He will be profoundly missed by his children Danuta Allart, Dr. Richard (Christine) Kolanos, and Mariola Kolanos; grandchildren Jacqueline Allart, Kathleen (Scott) MacCullam, Krystofer, Stephanie and Mark Kolanos; and great-grandchild Grace Ann MacCullam. He will be forever remembered by his extensive family in Poland with whom he kept in regular contact, but particularly his remaining brothers Wladyslaw, Czeslaw and Kazimierz. He was predeceased by his infant son and his brothers Franek and Jozef. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Wednesday February 28, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady Queen of Peace Polish Catholic Church (2111 Uxbridge Drive N.W.) on Thursday March 1, 2007, at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Stanislaw Poszwa S. Ch. and Rev.Jozef Furman, Presiders. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Our Lady Queen of Peace Polish Church Building Fund, 2111 Uxbridge Drive N.W., Calgary, AB, T2N 3Z3. In living memory of Stanislaw Kolanos, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.