It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jerzy Aleksander Wodnicki, known to his friends as Jurek ,“Jerry” or “Prezes”. He died peacefully on July 14th,2024 at Dorothy Ley Hospice. Jurek is survived by his wife Teresa, his daughter Barbara, his son-in-law Jeff and their two children Mila and William.

Jurek was born on April 12,1953 in Warsaw, Poland to his mother Ewa and father Piotr. He was an only child and was doted on by his parents. He grew up in Warsaw and as a young man had many adventures with his four best friends Krzysztof, Tomek, Maciek and Wiesiek. Life in communist Poland was not easy. Jurek always found creative and unusual ways to make money. He travelled abroad to Russia and Germany to buy and sell goods. He met his wife in Warsaw and they married two years later on April 28, 1979. Their daughter was born the same year.

Jurek travelled to Canada for the first time in 1980. He was invited by his uncle Juzek Kieraszewicz and his wife Elzamina. While in Toronto, he spent a lot of time with his cousins Malgosia, Pawel and Staszek. Over the years he kept travelling between Poland and Toronto. In the early 90’s he made a decision to permanently move to Canada and was joined by his family in 1994.

Jurek was an extremely social man. He made friends easily and kept in touch with people near and far. He loved his friends, having a good time, and finer things in life. After work he spent a great deal of time at a Polish Social Club on Dundas Street West where he played Billiards and drank beer-which was his favourite past time. Jurek was also a devoted fisherman. He spent many early mornings in Barrie fishing for Pike. He also loved to read and study history. He had a keen interest in the history or World War II. He was an intelligent, knowledgeable man.

His first job in Toronto was at the Pollocks Carpet Market on Roncesvalles Avenue, followed by many years at industrial construction companies where he worked as a carpenter. Later on, while working at Roots Canada he was able to see many cities and spectacular natural places from the East Coast to the West Coast. He was always happy to travel, explore and do things.

After his retirement, he enjoyed many holidays in the sun with his wife and times at the cottage with his grandchildren. In the last year of his life, he bravely battled with Pancreatic Cancer.

Jurek will be missed greatly by his family. We will miss his sparkly, lively personality, his sharp sense of humor and wit.

If so desired, please donate to the St. Joseph Health Centre Hospital foundation in his memory.