Born in Bialystok, Poland on January 31, 1957 Died in Oakville at 9am on Sunday December 21, 2025

Janusz Boguslaw Drewnowski was born on January 31, 1957, in Bialystok, Poland, to Krystyna Drewnowska and Jerzy Drewnowski. He was born into a family of builders in the truest sense of the word. His mother, an accomplished architect, designed landmark buildings in Bialystok, including the Philharmonic, as well as churches, schools, and hospitals. She passed away on April 13, 2005. His father, an engineer, was responsible for the structural interior of the Bialystok Philharmonic and died suddenly of a heart attack on June 5, 1976—a loss that deeply marked Janusz, who was always a devoted and loving son.

Janusz was the second-born child, with an older brother, Jerzy, whom he loved dearly. Jerzy passed away from prostate cancer on December 13, 2020. In a poignant and heartbreaking symmetry, Janusz passed away on his brother’s birthday.

From a young age, Janusz was known for his kindness, gentleness, and integrity. As a teenager, he developed a passion for motorcycles—an adventurous love that he put aside while raising his family, only to return to it later in life when his children were grown and he was in his late fifties.

He completed a Master’s degree in Economics at the University of Bialystok. During high school, he met the love of his life, Maria. They married on July 5, 1980, beginning a lifelong partnership built on devotion, sacrifice, and unwavering support. While still at university, they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Patrycja (Patricia), born on November 9, 1980. Their son, Konrad, was born on July 20, 1987.

Janusz was a devoted and playful father, famous for his “crazy stunts” that filled his children’s lives with laughter—like attaching a sled to the back of the car in winter, or coming home from a car auction with a surprise addition to the family: a boxer dog named Reda. He was deeply hands-on, helping with everything from cleaning and groceries to packing lunches. His sandwiches were legendary—so good that Patricia’s friends were openly jealous.

In the late 1980s, Janusz and Maria made the extraordinarily difficult decision to leave Poland and emigrate to Canada via the United States, driven by the hope of creating a better future for their children. Janusz worked multiple jobs, saving tirelessly to reunite the family. On July 19, 1992, they were finally reunited in Toronto—a day that symbolized the reward of years of sacrifice and perseverance.

He continued to work tirelessly, and in the spring of 1999 began his long career as a commercial truck driver. In his early years, he drove long-haul team routes, including demanding five-day round trips to California. Through his hard work, Janusz and Maria ensured their children had opportunities they themselves had sacrificed for—supporting Patricia through her Bachelor of Commerce at Ryerson University, and Konrad through Wilfrid Laurier University and the French Pastry School.

Janusz was overjoyed to become a grandfather. His grandson, Adam Szulc, was born on April 12, 2010, followed by his granddaughter, Kristina—named in honor of his beloved mother. As a grandfather, Janusz was playful, patient, and endlessly loving. He read to them, let them ride on his back like a pony, swam, dived, kayaked, skied, camped, and explored nature with them. Kristina lovingly called him her “selfless hero,” a title he embodied completely.

Family was always his greatest pride. Nothing brought him more joy than seeing his loved ones thrive—his son becoming a plumber, his daughter and wife building a successful custom bakery, and his grandchildren excelling in school and the arts. He beamed with pride watching Adam learn to ride an ebike and play basketball, and Kristina dance in competitions and perform as Ursula in The Little Mermaid. He delighted in every achievement, big or small—even celebrating Kristina’s astonishing 110% score on her most recent math test.

Janusz was also a deeply caring son-in-law to Maria’s mother, Elzbieta, who at 93 adored him. His kindness extended beyond family—he helped neighbors whenever he could, even assisting with a basement renovation while seriously ill.

He loved nature, gardening, and being near water. In recent years, he rode his motorcycle nearly to the Atlantic through Quebec, and in September 2023 spent a full month in Spain, renting a motorcycle and exploring the country with joy and curiosity. He had an adventurous spirit and an extraordinary will to live. Windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, skiing, cycling, and long daily walks in nature were among his greatest pleasures. He especially loved looking out over the lake, finding peace in its stillness.

Janusz was treated under the exceptional care of Dr. Robert Grant at Princess Margaret Hospital, who never stopped searching for treatment options. Through the LeGresley Foundation, Janusz received advanced genetic testing and tumor biomarker analysis, enabling targeted therapies against the relentless disease cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). He lived for 22 months after diagnosis—nearly a full year of that time pain-free—months that were filled with meaning, family milestones, and love.

Even near the end, Janusz thought first of others. He expressed a wish to go into hospital palliative care to ease the burden on his family, a final act of selflessness, though his wife Maria lovingly insisted on caring for him at home.

He passed surrounded by love, receiving 24/7 care in his own home, overlooking his cherished garden. He enjoyed his fresh Christmas tree, lovingly cut down by his son Konrad and daughter-in-law Chantel. He received daily castor oil foot massages from his daughter Patricia, gentle hand massages from his granddaughter Kristina, and lively conversations about motorcycles with his grandson Adam. His son-in-law Phil helped with household tasks when they became too difficult. Even late into his illness, Janusz savored life—enjoying steaks, ribs, and barbecues on Labour Day, and gardening, lugging soil until the end of September.

Janusz Boguslaw Drewnowski was a man of immense kindness, strength, humility, and love. He put his family first in every chapter of his life. His passing has left a crater-sized hole in the hearts of all who loved him, but his spirit, values, and love live on through his family and all the lives he touched.

Cholangiocarcinoma is a very rare and aggressive cancer that thanks to research has more treatment options and hope. Average survival is 9 months.

We know he is always with us—in our hearts, forever.

In lieu of flowers please donate to support Dr. Robert Grant in the cholangiocarcinoma research at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. Please click "Make a Donation" tab at the top or bottom of the page to make a donation in Janusz memory.