I went to school with Nick (Witus) from junior high through high school , at Bishop Grandin and we were close. Wonderful guy , great looking, and loved sports. We played on the basketball team together at in junior Saint Augustines and were on the track team at Saint Marys. He was always good to me and I have many great memories . Condolences to his sister, Alexandra. I'm not sure if she remembers me. I last saw him at the Grandin reunion a few years ago. Life is so short you can hardly think about it. God bless you, Nick.Rest well.

Tori and Alex, you have my deepest sympathy.

I met Witold in 1994 when I had just moved to Calgary. I had the privilege of calling Witold my friend, college and client. He was my key to the city and some of the most creative people I have ever met. Witold kindly introduced me to Calgary, his Family and friends. He was a proud and loving son and baby brother. He also introduced me to his unique way of creating. One of the first things I did with Witold was have my dogs clear out the pigeons from the Mescalero tower so it could be renovated and turned into an office. An office I was fortunate to share with him. I loved my time with Witold creating, designing, tasting and opening restaurants, bars and Mercantiles. The time I spent working with Witold will forever remain the “good old days” in my heart. He called me his creative soul sister, and that was an honour because

Witold was a gifted artist, and his medium was restaurants. He had an incredible ability to see beauty where others saw rubble. He would create with the most eclectic materials, and the result was always amazing and unique - he was the master.

Tori, I was there for the early years to see your tremendous respect and love for one another. To see some of your heartache and disappointments, but your love endured. I am so sorry for your loss, and I will keep you and Alex in my prayers. Witold, I have no doubt you grew wings.

Nancy Goemans

I got to know Witold from taking "est" courses that we both participated in. In the 90's I bought a colourful Mexican sink from Witold's store, Rustica. When I told him that I had installed it in my new bathroom, he feigned surprise, asking, "You mean that thing holds water?" We had a good laugh and he told me how much fun he had had driving a truck south, finding treasures, and bringing them back to the store. The store was full of interesting things and a reflection of Witold's artistic flare. In fact, Witold's presence was imbued with elegant artistry. He was a kind and interesting soul, and I am very sorry to hear of his passing.

Very sad to hear this news. We are long time Calgarians (60 years) now living in BC. We did not personally know Witold, (met him a few times), but we certainly knew of him and his reputation as a fine designer of some of the loveliest restaurants in Calgary. We were involved in the early days of Earth Harvest Co-op which is where we got to know Tori. We wish to express our sincere condolences to Tori and family, and hope that all the great memories will help you through these sad times. Doug & Diane

Met Witold in “Beads and Bangles “ ( which I thought was called “ Sadhana “) Barbary Shoppe was a great place I often visited too… and Manna as well… worked at Soup Kitchen- quitting a good city job to be close to the staff ! Loved it . Tonight cooked veggie soup in a big cast iron pot ( the same kind that we used for the daily soups - they sat in the old cast iron stove !!! )I found it in the basement,he kindly gave me … and it has been with me since 78…. Worked at Anbrosia as well - both location- often think if him as I cook in it…and those formative times…thank you Witold… condolences Tory and Alexandra… may you fly to the light like an arrow!

My condolences to Witold's family, friends and those who loved him.

Witold and I lived in close proximity during the seventies in lower mount-royal by seventeenth Ave and Tomkins Park in Calgary. My painter art studio was situated on the top floor of an old house across from the park owned by the proprietor of the Italian Restaurant Buon Giorno.

Kitty corner across the street, The Barbary Shop already existed and so did Witold's Guatamala Clothing line store “Bangle and Beads” which he renovated to become “ The Soup Kitchen “.

It was only natural to cross paths in those days; both of us hanging out in the same neighbourhood becoming friends. At one point I helped Witold with some of the construction and other creative aspects towards making the soup kitchen a reality.

One day Witold asked me if I would drive him to a store in Victoria which also carried the same kind of merchandise as Bangles & Beads to take all his left over clothing stock with my 1959 VW Van.

We stuffed the Van full with shirts, dresses, bangles & beads and other items and of we went getting into the town of Hope quite late in the evening hours.

We continued for only a few more miles realizing being to tired and pulled over in a well treed area away from the highway where we camped. We made a fire and spread out our sleeping bags on a patch of grass having anticipating this.

It was summer, the moon and the stars where out and Witold introduced me to meditation finally falling asleep under the glorious night sky.

I will always remember Witold as a fine man and us looking at the stars together;

a realm he has gone to now.

A friend from the past.

Johann James Feught

Associate Professor Emeritus

Creative Studies

UBCO - Kelowna

Witold came to see me often, just to have coffee and discuss his latest vision. I looked forward to those visits, and remember all of them vividly.

Rest in peace my friend.

Gary Seamans

What very sad news to hear about Vitold's passing. His spirit, creativity, a visionary and gentle soul will be sorrly missed.

His future forward visions of creating 'experiences' for dining out are the Heart Stone of this City and continue today.

Each Restaurant, Cafe, Lodge basques with his creativity and his spirit lives on in each and everyone.

My deepest condolences for Tory & Alexandra. So sorry for your loss, we shall all miss him. xo

Some people seem to stay forever in your memory and Vitold is one I am remembering today with sadness.

We were classmates for many years.

My sympathies to his loved ones

I was a fellow Lindsay park, Talisman, Repsol and mnp gym rat. Witold was always in his jeans and dress shoes smiling ear to ear. Just chatted with him last week. He will be missed.

Lister family of down the brittania street always appreciated Vitold’s kindness and smile and gentle manor

His restaurant creativity was unparalleled in Alberta…

We lived and loved so many of his opening nite restaurant parties. You had to be lucky to be on the coveted list

Thanks for invites and memories. U will be missed and not forgotten

Such sad news about Witold. During my years at Western Living, we enjoyed spending time with Witold at his restaurants. He was such an an interesting person with amazing vision for all of his projects. Condolences to Tory and Alex...he will be missed by many!

SO sad to hear this news, what a vibrant lovely man! Thank you for all the great times while I played your room at Mescaleros and the times before that. I will cherish these many many years we have known each other. Condolences to your family. ...you will be missed dear Witold... :( Maria Curcic

I was so sad and surprised to hear of the death of Witold. I worked for him back in the day at the Barbary Shop. Back then it was a small and charming space that was heated by wood stove that I chopped wood for in the alley behind the store every morning. He was known as Viets then. He had long blond hair and wore rimmed glasses and was wearing a long leather antique military trench coat. In his apartment he had other found items that he called props. He was an artist and an original. I can’t believe that he is gone.

Tory and Alex. We both have such fond memories of Witold over many years and are very saddened to hear this news. We send you our sincere and heartfelt sympathy. Our thoughts are with you.

So very shattering to hear this very sad news. My heart sank as with all who were touched by him. Witold was a creative force and intrepid spirit I was blessed to have known as a friend and design colleague for decades. I’ve witnessed his infectious enthusiasm for every project he took on. No half measures full on passion for every detail. He sought utopia creating spaces to facilitate fun and inspiration. He was one of a kind creative and human and Calgary was very lucky for what he brought to the city. The cool vibe. The incredible venues. The spaces that were soulful layered with visual delight. He saw the intrinsic beauty in old treasures but created magic in the composition. The ‘je ne sais quoi’ in design we all strive for he got intuitively.

He took risks he was brave. We will all miss his energy and spark for life. The city felt like the lights dimmed on this sad news. We loved you Witold and thank you for the magic. Heartfelt condolences to Alex and Tory and all. If only he could see how much his sudden passing has broken hearts. I hope he can but is likely busy making the heavens beautiful working from a beach. ;) We will miss you always. Cheryl Link

Dear Alex,

We are so very sad to hear of the loss of your wonderful and talented brother. So much of what I learned, and experienced, as a food writer in Calgary was thanks to his creativity, and all of the restaurants and chefs he inspired with his infinite energy and charm. We think of you often and especially now — sending sincere condolences. Cinda Chavich and Delbert Meeres

I met Witold through my dear friend Tory. He was such a kind man and was always so welcoming and hospitable to me and my family on our visits to Alberta. On one particular visit he picked me up at the airport and took me on a drive through the neighbourhood he grew up in showing me all the hotspots. It was very obvious that he so loved his hometown. He really was one of a kind and will be truly missed by many, including his extended Ontario family. RIP Witold.

The Pollard family

Ahhhhh…such a beautiful soul. He was a profound and powerful inspiration for me, his love and kindness far extended all the universe.

Blessings my lovely

Sarahj

Witold's Family,

We were neighbours of Witold and his parents, Astrid and Czes before him. They were all such friendly people to us and always stopped to have a chat on their way by. We had a flag collection and flew many different flags from our side porch. Witold would always stop and talk of the flag's country or the occasion they represented. We truly missed him after we moved away. RIP Witold.

Doug and Barbara Baldwin.

I’m so sad to hear of Witold’s passing . He seemed like someone who would life forever. I worked for Witold as a server for a number years starting in early 90’s at the original Divino’s in the Grain Exchange building . I was a huge Jazz lover and after much pestering by me Witold took a chance and put up the money for me to hire the saxophonist PJ Perry for an evening of live music at Divino’s . It turned out to be a great evening and we continued having occasional live music at Divino’s in the coming years .

To my great surprise Witold also chose me to help open and manage the River Cafe in its first year of business . Despite all of my ups and downs and inadequacies as an inexperienced restaurant manager Witold was never anything but encouraging , supportive and very kind . Thank you Witold RIP

Alex and Tory please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. I really enjoyed talking with Witold he always had great stories. I will miss our chats. May fond memories of him bring you comfort during this very sad time.

Blake Patrick

Kathy Richardier says: very sad. I knew him for many years. A character and important influence in Calgary restaurants.

Many years ago I was truly blessed to have spent time with this kind sweet man, Witold. His smile melted my heart every time, and his gentle nature enveloped me in warmth. There was nothing quite like Witolds' hugs. I knew him in the time of no cell phones or social media, so when I moved away I lost contact with him. I would have loved to have known him again at 70 years old, as he was a marvelous old soul at 40, I can't imagine what an amazing man he grew to be over the next 30 years. My memories of those days have never faded and my memory of him will always fill my heart.

Love Always,

Susan

Tory, we are deeply sorry for your loss. As you grieve, please know that we are with you. Your Script Family

Witold pushed me so far outside my comfort zone and encouraged me to explore concepts and the wonders of “what is possible.” A lesson I put into practise to this day. My heart felt condolences to Alex. Praying for you.

I send you love and peace at this time of Witold’s passing. ☀️❤️☀️

Dear Alex, I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Witold's passing. He was such an incredibly talented,creative, fun and caring person. He has left such a rich legacy here in Calgary and Alberta in general.You will really miss him a lot. I have many warm memories of him. May your memories help you heal. I send a big hug to you and family. Maybe David and Witold can have a cheers. Love and hugs...Anne Bransby-Williams

Witold was a shining light... a visionary. His heart was beautiful... filled with truth. Deep in his being he understood dimensions... realms. I feel honored to have known him. Condolences to his family and those he loved.

Dear Alexandra

My heart goes out to you on the loss of your dear brother Witold.

I was so shocked when I heard today of his passing….far too young and far too soon.

I loved bumping into Witold over the years and recently just saw him at a Parks Foundation tribute.

What an amazing, talented visionary he was in all his restaurants and designs. Our family especially my late husband

Larry had a long business relationship that was also based on friendship.

My deepest condolences.

Witold my friend you are always the guy out front of the crowd. From high school you & David were front runners on the Scene.

We lost contact for some years of our life growth then caught up again when we engaged in the rebuild of Emerald Lake for Pat & Connie.

It was magic in 1984 or 5 when we skied into the site in April. Listening to the spring avalanches & just being.

I can remember asking you what colours should we use on the cabins… you grabbed some bark from a tree & said it’s right in front of us.

Although it has been a while again, I’m sure we will meet again my friend, just as before.

I worked with Witold when I was CEO of Lougheed House and Witold leased the restaurant and event cateting business. He was a superb restauranteur, a marvellous and unique human being and someone I am glad to have known nd very sorry to see has passed too soon.

I have known him since high school (we dated for a time) . Every time l have seen him in the ensuing years ( and the

times were many) he greeted me with such warmth. I will miss looking forward to seeing him again, Sending my deepest sympathy to his family.

I have always been grateful to have known and worked with Witold. He trusted me to help manage his first venture in the restaurant business in the early 70's, Manna Restaurant. Under his leadership, I learned so much about quality food preparation and presentation, hospitality, business management, and met so many fine people and made wonderful friends. He was a lovely man who strived to make this world a more gentle and beautiful place, and he succeeded. Rest in peace, old friend.