Obituary of Andrew (Andrzej) Bogumil Zaleski

1938 - 2022

On Friday, April 1, 2022, Andrew passed away peacefully at home in Calgary, AB with his wife Ursula, and son Bohdan at his side. Andrew leaves his son Bohdan (Carol); daughters, Tamara (Doug) and Renata; his brother, Konrad (Helena) and his family; grandsons, Mark (Tori) and Derek; great-grandsons Evan, Skyler and Stefan; cousin, Iwona (Marv) Proszek-Mooney; nephew Andrew (April);  as well as extended family in Poland. Andrew was predeceased by his father, Eligiusz in 1978 and his mother, Janina in 1988.

Andrew was born on December 20, 1938 in Warsaw, Poland where he remained with his mother through WWII as his father had escaped to Britain with the Polish Air Force. They escaped to England in 1946 reuniting with his father.

Andrew’s life path took him to Argentina in 1948 and then the family immigrated to Toronto in 1958.  Andrew’s career began with the Canadian Admiral Corporation and Beach Appliances which had him working across Canada. He changed careers to become the President of White Farm Equipment in Brantford in 1978. In 1982, Andrew joined Trimac Transportation Services in Calgary, retiring in 2001 as President. He continued to serve on a number of Boards, including Trimac’s Board of Directors.

Andrew and Ursula built a summer home on the shores of Lake Kaminiskeg in Eastern Ontario where they enjoyed many summers hosting family and friends, during the winter months they would travel.

Andrew had a number of passions outside his work – rugby, tennis and history, especially World War II and Poland.  He considered himself to be a “Master Chef” on the BBQ, he enjoyed fine wines and dining wherever he was. Andrew’s story is truly one of success – coming to Canada as a young immigrant and working his way up to President of a major international transportation service. He had a definitive path in his life, which he realized to the very end on his terms.

The family expressed its special thanks to all who supported Andrew in his last weeks, particularly Mark Kryzan for his invaluable time and guidance.

If friends so desire, memorial donations can be made to Polish Studies Fund (University of Toronto), c/o Mr. M. Zaremba, 20 Rykert Cres. Toronto, ON M4G 2S9 or Polish Scouting Association in Canada (Ontario) Inc. c/o Mr. M. M. Bienczyk, 1342 Meredith Ave., Mississauga, ON L5E 2E7.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at the Glencoe Club, 636 - 29th Ave. SW, Calgary, and also in July in Barry’s Bay. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Andrew Zaleski, 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.