Obituary of Eugeniusz Kuklicz

January 20, 1943 - Nowawola, Bialystok, Poland

November 25, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Eugene Kuklicz, beloved husband of Zofia (Sophie) Kuklicz (nee Bedrylo), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at the age of 80 years.

Eugene was born in Nowawola, Poland on January 20, 1943.

He immigrated to Canada in 1969. He married Sophie in 1974 in Calgary. Their first daughter Iwona was born in 1974 and quickly followed by their second daughter Jola in 1975. Their son Mirek was born in 1979.

Eugene was incredibly proud of all of his family. He is survived by his loving wife Sophie, his two daughters and two sons-in-law, Iwona (Tyler) and Jola(Jehad) his son and daughter-in-law Mirek(Angie) and his three beloved granddaughters, Aniela, Layla and Ava, all of Calgary, AB.

Eugene accomplished much through his life and was particularly proud of having been a successful small business owner. He started the business as a bobcat and dump truck operator/excavator in 1976 with Sophie. He loved his work so much he retired when he was 67. 

Eugene loved being outdoors with trees, fixing things and being busy. If there was a project outside, he could come up with a plan for it. You might not agree with it to start, but somehow his plan worked.  When it came to fixing things, he was self taught. Being self taught meant that safety features on tools were largely a hinderance that he ‘fixed’. If you were unsure where Eugene was, best to check the garage out back and if not at home, best to check the acreage Eugene and Sophie owned. Iwona, Jola and Mirek also remember Sundays after Church always being on the move to see something show home/construction related. As the kids got older, and did not want to go anymore, Eugene would just head out to drive the city, ‘estimating’ jobs and dropping in at friends’ houses. With his many years on Calgary’s roads, he could get you anywhere… but only if you understood directions based on a compass.

When Aniela and Layla were born, before he retired, during the winters he was there to help Jola and Jehad with his beloved granddaughters. Once he retired, he and Sophie could be found at Mirek, and Angie’s acreage helping with projects. Often, he would come up with the projects for them. When Ava arrived, he ‘supervised’ the projects while he kept Ava busy.

Eugene’s most well-known sayings were “same me” and “I know”. He will be most remembered for his story telling and his adventures in fixing things.

Eugene is also survived by his sister Eugenia of Bialystok, Poland as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Eugene was predeceased by his parents, his sisters and brother.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Funeral Mass to be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church (640 19 Avenue NW, Calgary, AB T2M 0Y8) on Tuesday December 5, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queens Park Cemetery. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the McInnis & Holloway Heritage 1708-16th Ave NW. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Eugene’s family here.  If friends so desire, memorial donations be made to a charity of your choice.