Obituary of Henry Kwarciak

Kwarciak, Henry 

Surrounded by family Henry Kwarciak passed away on October 29^th, 2024 at the age of 75. Cherished and loving husband of Cathy for 54 wonderful years. Proud dad of Derek (Erin) Kwarciak and Shannon (Paul) Dinyer. Beloved papa of Ashton, Chase, Ethan and Matthew. Brother of Stan (Cathy) Kwarciak, late Les (Carol Anne) Kwarciak, late Mary Kwarciak and Cas (Debbie)Kwarciak. Brother-in-law of Diane (Roger)Sutherland and Linda (John)Relouw. Predeceased by his parents Valerie and Stan and in-laws Gordon and Joy MacGregor. He will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. 

Henry Kwarciak was a beloved husband, father, papa, brother and uncle. For those that had the profound privilege of knowing him and being a part of his life he was known for his love of family, his determination and his generosity.

Henry immigrated to Canada from Poland at the age of 11 with his parents and brothers. His determination was evident even at such a young age. He entered school in a foreign country where he did not speak the language and learned that language and all his studies. One can’t imagine how scary that must have been, yet he did it. He could do anything he put his mind to. 

That determination would serve him well throughout his life. In 1970 he married Cathy, his high school sweetheart and they had 54 wonderful years together as husband and wife. They lived in London for one year while he worked at the Ford plant in St Thomas but ultimately made the decision to move back to Forest as family was so important to both of them. Henry got a job at Peoples Telephone with the help of his brother-in-law Roger and it was there that he would make his career. He started as a lineman and worked his way up to management. He was dedicated to his job and spent many nights and weekends on call.

It was in Forest that he and Cathy started their family and that was what he loved the most, the family that he created with his sweetheart. Derek was born in 1973 and Shannon in 1977. Henry was a hands on dad who never shied away from any fatherly duties. He loved it. He was kind and nurturing with his children, always not only willing but wanting to take care of his family, from providing for them, to changing diapers, and giving bottles. He would continue to be a hands on and loving Papa with his four grandsons, Ethan, Matthew, Ashton and Chase.  

Henry was also known for being able to do anything he put his mind to. Just to name a few examples of this, he renovated his entire home, stripping the home down to the studs, wiring, plumbing, dry walling, installing floors, adding an addition and framing. He created a beautiful home that he and Cathy loved and stayed in for their entire marriage. He took pride in his home and vehicles and was known to keep both his yard and vehicles immaculate. It was a family joke how much he loved his leaf blower. It was like an extension of him and would be used several times a day to keep the leaves, or maple keys off of his lawn. He also helped both of his children renovate their homes. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

Henry also loved animals. He was known to bring home stray animals from kittens to a baby squirrel that he saved from a cat. He passed this love of animals onto his children and was often called on to help save a baby bird that had fallen out of its nest. He loved his dogs and was affectionately called the dog whisperer by his family because of his ability to train any dog he knew. He had several dogs throughout his life, and he loved them all as they loved him. 

Henry had many hobbies that he enjoyed throughout his life but perhaps most of all was building and flying model airplanes and riding his motorcycle. He and Cathy would enjoy taking not only local motorcycle rides but touring out to the east coast on his Harley Davidson. In recent years Henry and Cathy enjoyed camping with their family and eventually getting a seasonal trailer where they spent a lot of their summers. They both made it their little home away from home, personalizing not only their site, but their trailer as well. They loved spending their time together with their puppy Lexi. They truly enjoyed each others company. 

Henry loved his family and they loved him. He will be forever missed. His passing has left a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. 

A private Memorial Mass will take place. As expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the VON – Palliative Care. Online condolences may be made at www.forestfuneralhome.com.