Obituary of Apolinary LACH

July 10, 1933 – Dobra, Limanowa, Poland

September 25, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Today the mountains lost one of their biggest fans.

Polek Lach of Calgary, AB passed away on Friday, September 25, 2020 at the age of 87 years. 

Polek was born on July 10, 1933 in Dobra, Limanowa, Poland. As a youngster, Polek and his two brothers helped on the family farm in Dobra where they were raised. As per their father, work on the farm was a priority and then came school. Polek would say that physical work was not for him as he had dreams of continuing his schooling. Their mother, Agnieszka, supported her boys’ dreams of education and it was with this support that Polek went on to receive his degree in civil engineering in 1963. When not working, Polek took every opportunity to ski in his beloved Tatra Mountains. To further pursue his career and the next chapter in his life, Polek took on a two year contract working on a housing project in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, East Africa. Upon completion, in 1972, he moved his family to Calgary, Canada; a dream location with its close proximity to the mountains and what they offered.

Polek had a full career in providing structural, civil, and geotechnical engineering to a variety of companies ranging from oil and gas, transport and other projects including residential and commercial building as well as being involved in the construction of the Saddledome. He then ventured out on his own with the creation of Adart Engineering Services Ltd which he ran until his retirement in 2010.

His passion for the mountains led him to join CSPS, Lake Louise Ski Patrol, in 1977. His commitment to the mountains led to the Polek Lach Memorial Award; named after Polek for most days patrolled. He worked many world cup downhill events including the first one in 1980. His camaraderie with his fellow patrollers resulted in many lifelong friendships. One friend summed Polek up with these words; “I often recall the many weekend patrol duty trips to Lake Louise and back in the 80’s and 90’s. We’d regularly car pool in his immaculate MB, listening to Polek elucidate on any and all matters and subjects: social, ski patrol, family, our professional associations, our personal lives, healthy living, sports-hiking, scrambling, tennis, our related sport injury ‘Polek unique’ medical treatments et al.”

He will be remembered by his ski patrol family for his positive attitude, happy disposition, and “negotiating skills” when it came to finding the perfect accomodations for his team. Who could ever forget the year of staying at the Chateau Lake Louise for $9 a night with superior meals for just a dollar!

Above all, he will be remembered for his favourite saying during blessings and speeches which reflected what ski patrolling meant to him; “helping fellow man in beautiful mountains.”

His love of physical activity took on many other forms. Polek’s connection to nature included hiking to his favourite spots which he personally named! His friends were treated to his expertise hiking skill set and campfires filled with unique treats and lively conversations. As well he was an avid tennis player who until his passing played twice a week. His other passion was dancing. He joined the University of Calgary Dance Club in 2005 where he made even more lifelong friendships. His specialty was the Latin dance genre, in particular Salsa. Salsa signified that he was very youthful in his dance choices. Polek then joined Alberta Dancesport. The facility provided him with more frequent sessions and practice time. He continued to be “twinkle toes” until his passing.

Polek is survived by his two daughters; Dorota Lach of Calgary, Alberta and Mariola Gordon of Cochrane, Alberta and his grandsons; Spencer Gordon of Calgary, Alberta, Bailey Gordon of Calgary, Alberta and Tae Gordon of Cochrane, Alberta. He is also survived by numerous family members in Poland and many loving friends throughout the world!

Polek was a devout Catholic. He volunteered as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at the 7:30pm Sunday mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral for many years. He also attended mass at St. Michael’s and St. Luke’s in Calgary.

His final adventure to the mountains took place the week of his passing where Polek spent an out of the ordinary amount of time reminiscing with his friend about his departed mom whom he had loved dearly. We can take comfort in knowing that his mom had turned the porch light on and was awaiting his journey home.

Details regarding Polek’s Celebration of Life to follow at a later date. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Polek’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Apolinary "Polek" Lach, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.