MR. ANTONI SIKORA of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Maria Sikora, passed away on Friday, June 29, 2007, at the Chinook Regional Hospital, at the age of 83 years.

Antoni was born September 13, 1923 in Istebna, Poland to the late Zuzanna and Paul Sikora, the eldest of two children. Barely 16 years of age at the outbreak of WWII, Antoni contributed to the war effort by becoming a member of the Polish Underground. Shortly after the conclusion of the war, he met his wife of 59 years, Maria, while she was vacationing in Istebna. They were married in Cieszyn on December 29, 1947. In 1961 Antoni, together with his wife and young family, decided to embark on the greatest adventure of their lives by immigrating to Canada.

Although a proud Canadian, grateful for the opportunities the newly adopted country offered him and his family, he never forgot his Polish heritage. He loved Poland, its rich history and cultural traditions, but especially he loved Istebna. As a result, over the years, he and his devoted wife Maria made frequent and repeated visits back to Poland. Their greatest joy came in the last nine years during which they made four trips to Poland accompanied by their adult children. His last visit was in April 2007. As Antoni's health declined, he remained active largely due to the constant and loving care provided by his wife Maria. In fact, his last trip to Poland was only possible due to her efforts.

Antoni was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union; Royal Canadian Legion; Canadian Polish Association; and St. Patrick's Parish. He was a modest man who was well liked by all he met. He had many stories to tell and genuinely enjoyed being with people - the more the merrier. He will be deeply missed and always remembered for his love of family, his kind and gentle nature and his warm smile.

Besides his loving wife Maria, Antoni is survived by his children Stacha Sikora of Calgary and her husband Robert W. Rolfe and their two sons Robbie and Michael Rolfe; Maria Sikora of Lethbridge, her daughter Teena Jankowiak and Antoni and Maria's only great-grandson, Ryan Johnson; Peter Sikora of Calgary and his wife, Dianne, together with their sons Nicholas and A.J. (Anthony John) Sikora; sister Anna Juroszek of Istebna, Poland and her four children and their families; sisters-in-law Ewa Haltofova of Cesky Tesin, Czech Republic and her spouse, Wilus; Hania Zaremba of Stara Wies, Poland, together with their children and families and one very special cousin Karol Krzak of Cieszyn, Poland and his wife Lucia.

A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 PM, on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4th St. S.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 3:00 PM, on Thursday, July 5, 2007 at ST. PATRICK'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 318-10th St. S., Lethbridge, AB. Interment to follow in Mountain View Cemetery.