The Family of Joseph Wichrowski would like to announce his sudden passing this month in early September. Joseph is survived by his loving children Luke, Christian, and Josephine, and his beloved grandchildren Jerzy, Alex, Theo, Victoria, and George (and another on the way). He will be missed dearly.
Joseph was born in Elblag, Poland where he lived the first 25 years of his life. He worked in metalworking and was a creative musician playing lead guitar in a local band. Despite the country’s difficult economic times, he was able to pursue his artistic goals performing in local venues. Joseph was also a political activist and a member of an anti-communist movement called "Solidarity", which resisted the Russian occupation of Poland until its successful liberation in the early 1990s.
Thanks to his connections, Joseph learned about an impending Russian invasion and lockdown of the country. He was able to leave Poland with his son Luke, and they were lucky to escape to Italy as refugees. They emigrated to Canada two years later.
Joseph first landed in Edmonton and moved to Vancouver shortly after just in time to see the 1986 Vancouver Expo. Joseph worked hard to learn English and make a new life in Canada. He continued his entrepreneurial and artistic pursuits, running a successful videography business for two decades specializing in weddings. The business captured many memories and cherished moments, winning several international awards.
In his later years, Joseph rediscovered his Roman Catholic faith and volunteered in the Knights of Columbus and the Legion of Mary at St. Casimir, his local Polish parish. At the time of his passing, Joseph had been an active parishioner at Holy Family for many years, frequently contributing his talents in the kitchen and more. His deep conversion inspired many positive changes in his outlook on life and left an abiding impression on his family and friends. He will be remembered for his great love for God, attending daily mass, and praying the rosary daily to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Joseph’s health problems, complicated by a stroke in 2012, forced Joseph to retire from his videography business. Nonetheless, he developed a passion as a talented food and drink artisan, bringing good cheer to many with his generosity and joy.
Joseph was a man of many dreams and ambitions, which he undertook with great energy and fervor until his final days on earth.
Vigil Prayers will be offered for Joseph at Holy Family Parish, Vancouver on Thursday, 28th September 2023 at 6:00pm. The Funeral Mass will be held again at Holy Family Parish on Friday, 29th September 2023 at 10:00am followed by burial at Gardens of Gethsemani Cemetery, Surrey at 12:30pm.