It is with great sadness we announce the passing of ALFONS AKSNOWICZ at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, December 16, 2018 at the age of 98 years.
Alfons will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Czesia and their children: Gina (Larry) Wojtowicz and Alice (Dan) Renning; grandchildren Jen Buit (Gordon Bello); Justin (Jocelyn) Buit and Kevin (April) Renning; as well as great-grandchildren Tristan, Jaelynn, Vincent, Violet and Xavier.
He was predeceased by his son Robert, son-in-law Jack, parents Malvina and Adam, four brothers Piotr, Lucian, Jozef, and Janek, his in-laws, Amelia and Anthony Kuziomko and his best friend since World War II, Jan (Helena) Pietkiewicz.
Alfons was born in Zajezezieze, Poland on Jan 21, 1920 and was the third oldest of five boys. As a young man, he enjoyed learning about the history of Poland and helping his father on the farm. While his brothers all had a passion to play musical instruments, Alfon's passion was for the outdoors, specifically hunting with his dog.
When World War II broke out, Alfon's family was exiled to Siberia by the Russian army. While in Siberia, a Polish army was organized, The Polish II Corps, which he joined and there met, his best friend, Jan Pietkiewicz. Alfons was trained as a Radio operator and driver in a Sherman Tank. He travelled with the Polish Army through Russia, Iran, Iraq, Palestine and to Egypt where they went under the command of the British 8th Army. Alfons then travelled by ship to Italy where they fought with distinction in the battle of Monte Casino to help defeat the Germans. The Polish II Corps had a consistently high fighting reputation and was well regarded by the American and Commonwealth troops with whom they fought alongside.
After the war, Alfons went to England and in 1947 immigrated to Canada. He first worked sugar beets in the Picture Butte area, then for a short period of time on a farm near Pincher Creek. Alfons also worked at the Lethbridge #8 Mine, Shaughnessy mine and the Lethbridge Research Station. In 1949, he met the love of his life, Czesia Kuziomko and they married on May 13, 1950. They raised three children and celebrated 68 blessed years together.
Alfons and Jan started their farming careers by renting farmland together. They eventually were able to pool their monies and purchase a farm of their own. After 13 years of farming together, they were each able to purchase their own farms and continued to help each other, while remaining best of friends throughout their lives. Alfons farmed in the Picture Butte area until 1997 when he and Czesia retired and moved to Lethbridge. After retirement, they made frequent road trips "North" to visit and inspect the family farm throughout the years.
Alfons loved being with his family. He especially cherished time with his great grandchildren; Tristan, whom he called "My Little Helper" and had many living room cane sword fights and backyard hunting adventures with; and Jaelynn, who he called his "Little Sweetie-Pie". Anyone who met Alfons immediately recognized his light-hearted disposition, sense of humor, generous hospitality, as well as enjoyed stories of his war time experiences. Alfons looked forward to Sunday dinners with his family, hunting, fishing, camping for over 25 years in Radium Hot Springs and his love for animals; especially dogs.
Alfons was a member of The Royal Canadian Legion and the Polish Combatants Association. He will be missed by numerous family and friends across Canada, Poland and the United States. Alfons was a man of great faith and our family comforted knowing he is now with his savior.
Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects during a Visitation at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, December 21, 2018 at 6:00 P.M., with a Prayer Service to follow at 7:00 P.M.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 - 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating.
Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Alfons will be gratefully accepted at the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960-19th Street South, Lethbridge AB T1J 1W5
