ZBIGNIEW DUTKIEWICZ died on January 14th, in his 92nd year during a very brief stay at Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga. Zbigniew (known as Zbyszek, Zeke, Byniu, Bish, Dad, and Dziadziu) has gone to join his beloved wife, Mary Margaret (Marysia).

Zbigniew lived a very full life and recently started saying, "What a Life!". God granted Zbigniew with a blessed life.

Born on January 25th, 1934 in Ruda Slaska, Poland to his parents Julian and Maria Dutkiewicz and his cherished older sister, Krystyna, Zbigniew had an idyllic childhood for a mere 5 years. He was known as mischievous, a trait that was recognized throughout his life.

In 1939, Zbigniew and Krystyna's lives were changed forever by the invasion of Poland and the arrest and disappearance of their parents. Krystyna (9 years old) ordered Zbigniew to stay silent and whisked him away via train to Krakow, Poland and the care of their grandmother. To support their family, Zbigniew peddled theatre tickets in downtown Krakow.

In 1946, after the death of his grandmother, Zbigniew made his way to England through Italy, where he was educated in England in a camp for refugee boys from Poland. Many close friendships began, and one of the longest lasting was with Miro Barczynski, celebrating 80 years together, the last 40 years in Mississauga.

Zbigniew was educated at the University of London, England as an Electrical Engineer and made his way with friends to Montreal, Quebec, Canada in 1958. It was in Montreal that Zbigniew met the love of his life, Mary Margaret Buchan. Married in 1966, they began their adventure together, with their children arriving in 1967 and 1969. Zbigniew was a proud Canadian family man.

Through working opportunities, Zbigniew was given the moniker of "Zeke" which was used throughout his working career. Zeke joined Bechtel Canada in the Mining and Metals Division and then started his role as a "trouble shooter" working his way around the world to provide engineering solutions for projects and building teams of competent, collaborative professionals. While Zeke did not take vacations, he personally ensured that the travel from one project to another was an opportunity for his family to visit as many family and family friends and sights as possible. Family became a global reality. Raising a toast, sharing a meal, dancing and listening to music, remembering birthdays, and communicating regularly were the family love languages learned and fostered.

In 1998, Zeke officially retired, and the loving partnership of Byniu and Mary started a new chapter. They travelled for family, including every event for their grandchildren sharing in their love and generosity. They travelled for pleasure, particularly enjoying Newfoundland and for seeing family and friends, including finally going to Poland together. They were present and supportive, in their church, in their community, in their circle, and in each other's lives. Throughout the years, they experienced life's joys, sorrows, and health challenges together. Then in December 2019, Zbigniew lost his one true love. To be fair, her loss was a gradual one. He had never lost faith up to that point. Over the last six years, Zbigniew experienced what the world was going through globally, the unknown, health challenges, and loss. After each health crisis, Zbigniew always came back ready to be part of our world albeit a little weaker, but never less spirited. Importantly, he never lost faith!

Over four years ago, Wawel Villa became a sanctuary for Zbigniew. Indeed, it was a place, where he was looked after and where he could speak in Polish and English, sharing some of his stories with others. Zbigniew was very proud of his Polish heritage. We extend our gratitude to John Grayson, Dr. Malicki, Yvonna, Edyta, Magda, and all of the wonderful caring staff who worked tirelessly to help our father. We extend our gratitude to all of the wonderful caring staff who worked tirelessly to help our father.

For the last two and a half years, Zbigniew's life was greatly enriched and blessed by Oksana, his equally spirited private Personal Support Worker extraordinaire. So much gratitude is extended to Oksana for her selfless dedication!

Faith and family were everything to Zbigniew, and he never missed an opportunity to introduce his family with pride. Dad is deeply missed by his son, James and his wife, Lee-Ann Kant and his daughter, Christina (Krysia) and her husband, Perry Sisson. They are comforted by their faith. Zbigniew was so fiercely proud of his grandchildren, Christian, Tess, Olivia, Mary, and Noel and sweet Maddie (predeceased). He was so excited about Victoria joining the family with Noel. They are missing their one and only Dziadziu, his smile and love (and mischievousness). Family and friends in Poland, England, Australia, Italy, and USA have lost a beloved connection.

Signing off as he did, "LOT'S OF LOVE!!!"

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 14th, 2026 at 11:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 2473 Thorn Lodge, Mississauga.

A funeral reception to celebrate Zbigniew's well lived and blessed life will be held at the Neweduk Chapel at the Erin Mills Turner and Porter Funeral Home located at 1981 Dundas Street West, Mississauga. A private family interment will take place at a later date at St. Mary's Cemetery, Lifford, Ontario.