GAWLIK, John - (December 27, 1921 - October 6, 2021) - Our dear Dziadzia, was a few months shy of living an incredible century, he left the world on his own accord after battling war and cancer.
His family was at his bedside when he decided to open his eyes and see everyone who loved him. We laughed with him one last time and he peacefully closed his eyes and painlessly left us for a better place.
He was a World War II Veteran after being released from the Russian Gulags in Siberia and fought in the Polish Regiment under General Władysław Anders in the Heavy Artillery division.
He served his country and was awarded with the following military distinctions; the Italian Star Medal and the Star Medal fighting from 1943 - 1945, in 1944 he was awarded the Monte Cassino Commemorative Cross after four assaults by the Allies in Italy as part of the Liberation of Monte Cassino. He also awarded the Defence Medal in 1939 -1945, instituted by the United Kingdom in 1945, to be awarded to citizens of the British Commonwealth.
He will be missed and loved by his son, Richard, his loving wife, Barb and his three grandchildren Diane (Ryan) Katie and Andrew and his two great grandchildren John and Nora. He will be loved and missed forever by all his friends, family and everyone that crossed his path.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Sunnybrook Veterans Care Centre where he resided for close to three years - they tirelessly took care of him with kindness and dignity. As well as the doctors, nurses and staff at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The Royal Canadian Legion, whose mission is to serve Veterans and their families, to promote Remembrance, and to serve our communities and our country. Or a charity of your choice. https://www.legion.ca/donations
Arrangements are entrusted with Ridley Funeral Home.
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