MR. JAN CZERKIES of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Wladyslawa Czerkies, passed away at the Edith Cavell Care Centre on Monday, February 16, 2009 at the age of 92 years.

Jan was born in Pilaty, Poland on July 18, 1916 to Kristina nee Korzenewski and Ignacy Czerkies. He was the youngest of eight children. At the age of 21, he joined the Polish army. In 1939, he was captured by the Russians, and spent one and a half years as a prisoner in Siberia. In 1941, he was freed and joined the Polish armed forces under British command. From 1942 to 1947 he served in the Middle East, Persia and the 2nd Polish Corps in Italy and then in the United Kingdom until honourably discharged. He was awarded the Polish Cross for Valour, Army Medal and the Cross of Monte Cassino as well as the 1939-45 British Star, Italy Star and Defence Medal.

In 1947, Jan emigrated to Canada, working on a farm near Magrath and later a coal mine near Lethbridge. He met his future wife, Wladyslawa Eichelmann, at St. Michael's Hospital. They were married September 18, 1948 at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, but became members of St. Basil's Parish upon their move to the North side. Jan obtained a job with the City of Lethbridge where he worked until his retirement thirty years later. Jan was a member of the Polish Combatants Association, the Royal Canadian Legion and the Knights of Columbus.

Jan is survived by his two children, Mariola Czerkies and Kristina Malek, his son-in-law, Ladislav Malek, and two grandchildren, Kamila and Christophe Malek.

The family would like to thank the very many caring people that helped to make Jan's last years easier: Dr. Cassis for going out of her way to care for and check on him, the kind staff at the Regional Hospital, Gardenview Lodge, Columbia House, St. Michael's Care Centre, and Edith Cavell. Thank you for going that extra step that made all the difference. Also, much appreciation to Dianna and Herb McKelvey for helping in the many moves. Particular thanks to nurse Jennifer Lanz at Edith Cavell for being our hands and heart when the family could not be there in dad's final moments.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society 724 - 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB T1H 2T1, the Humane Society P.O. Box 783 Lethbridge, AB T1J 3Z6, the Royal Canadian Legion 324 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 3L7 or a charity of choice.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Friday, February 20, 2009 at ST. BASIL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 - 13 Street North, Lethbridge, with Father Raul Hernandez celebrant. Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.