Felix Osinski of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, May 5, 2025, at the age of 99 years.
Born on August 4, 1925, Felix was from a large family and raised on a small mixed farm near Zhytomyr, in present day Ukraine. His youth ended at the outset of World War II when his father and brother were imprisoned—never to be seen again. Like so many other Poles, the rest of his family were forcibly deported to Siberia by the Soviet invaders. The remaining family was split apart and Felix survived with his mother until her death a short time later.
In 1944, Felix joined the First Polish Army under General Berling and went through the combat trail eastwards where he joined in the Warsaw Uprising. Felix was one of the few „Berlingers” to successfully cross the Vistula River and attack Nazi German forces in the city of Warsaw. Felix was wounded, captured, and sent to Auschwitz Concentration Camp, then to Wolfsberg prison camp, then Yugoslavia as a slave labourer moving munitions, then back to Wolfsberg. After the camp was liberated, he crossed the Alps to Italy to have his wounds treated. Once recovered, he joined the Second Polish Corps under General W. Anders. At Monte Cassino, Italy, Felix served mainly performing bomb disposal and clearing mines which he described as more dangerous than being on the front line. The Corps was demobilized in 1946. Felix was transferred to England where, like so many other Poles who fought for a free Poland alongside the Allied Forces in WWII, Felix would face persecution if he returned to his homeland or to Poland, where some members of his family still remained.
For his wartime efforts, Felix was awarded the Warsaw Medal of Distinction, Outstanding Merit Medal, Gold Cross of Poland, the Polish Military Cross, Pro Patria, PCA Gold Cross, and numerous other recognitions.
In England, Felix met Mary Hodowanec, a refugee who had been a slave labourer in Nazi Germany. They married in 1949 and with their son Zenek, they boarded the S.S. Atlantic and immigrated to Canada in 1952.
After working for some time on a farm near Virden, MB, Felix and Mary settled in Brandon, MB, where they raised their children Zenek, Rose, and Joe. Felix worked various jobs until he was hired by the City of Brandon in roads and infrastructure maintenance until he retired.
Felix and Mary were active members of the local Catholic Church and the Polish Sokol and were involved in various committees and singing on choirs. Perhaps their favourite pastime was socializing with their family and friends, many of whom had related wartime experiences. They enjoyed gardening and maintained a large vegetable garden which provided nutritious and flavourful bounty for their family and friends. There were memorable 1960s sightseeing road trips to Chicago, Missouri, and California to visit friends and relatives.
Once retired, they moved to beautiful Creston, BC, where they enjoyed their time raising cherries and other fruit, and honeybees. In 2010 Felix and Mary moved to Calgary, AB, to be closer to family. Felix was a beekeeper for many decades until last summer when his eyesight deteriorated. He took great joy in sharing the delicious honey that “his little animals” produced among family and friends.
For Felix, family was always first. As a parent he was always there to provide his advice and strongly encouraged his children to study and obtain the best education they could. He will be remembered for his love of singing—he had a wonderful voice and enjoyed church hymns, traditional, and patriotic songs. He lived in the moment and was an inspiration for his jovial spirit and positive outlook. Felix and his family are very much grateful for the appreciation and warmth that he was shown by the people of the Polish Combatants Association and Our Lady Queen of Peace Polish Catholic Church in Calgary, AB. Felix is survived by his son Zenek (Krystyna) Osinski, daughter Rose (Bill) Halase, and son Joe (Judy) Osinski; grandchildren Anna (Brian) O’Hara, Peter (Shannon) Osinski, Paul Osinski (Katey Campbell), and Andrew Osinski (Jenna Yee); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins living mostly in Europe. Felix was predeceased by his wife, Mary, and his siblings.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Our Lady Queen of Peace Polish Catholic Church (2111 Uxbridge Drive N.W., Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady Queen of Peace Polish Catholic Church (2111 Uxbridge Drive N.W., Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall. Graveside Service to follow at Eden Brook Cemetery (24223 Township Rd 242, Calgary, AB).
If friends so desire, Felix would have preferred in lieu of flowers, that memorial tributes be made directly to the Polish Scouting Association Szczep Orla Perc at skarbniczka.orlaperc@zhp.ca.
In living memory of Felix Osinski, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
