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In Memory of
Michal
Balinowski
Balinowski
1942 - 2018
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Squamish Funeral Chapel & Crematorium
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
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Memorial Candle Tribute From
Maciej i Jadwiga Nowak
"Michal! za wczesnie wybrales sie w podroz z biletem w jedna strone.
Zawsze bedz"
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Obituary for Michal Balinowski
Michal Balinowski passed away Friday, June 29, 2018, at Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver at age 75. Michal is survived by his loving wife, Alicja; his children, Damian and Angelica (Buikema); and grandchildren, Megan and Ayden. A Funeral Mass will be held July 7, 11:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (2449 The Boulevard, Garibaldi Highlands, BC). Burial and celebration of life to follow.
Michal – Mike to his many friends – was born Oct. 25, 1942 in what was then known as Turia, Poland. From his early childhood and throughout his life, Mike appreciated the rewards of hard work and perseverance. During the tough post-war years that gripped his native Poland, he worked to support his widowed mother before putting himself through school. On Nov. 5, 1967, he married Alicja Kowalczyk, and Damian was born the following year. Not satisfied with the daily grind of life in a Communist dictatorship, Michal sought a better life for his young family and immigrated to Canada in 1972, expecting them to join him shortly thereafter. When the authorities refused to allow his wife and son to travel, he refused to give up. He spent the next five-and-a-half years laying the foundation for a new life, including moving to Squamish to start a career at BC Rail as a welder. He and his friend built and sold their first house together before building his family home while relentlessly fighting to re-unite his family. His efforts finally paid off in 1977 when Alicja and Damian were able to join him. Angelica was born in 1980 and the Balinowski family continued their life in the Garibaldi Highlands.
Mike spent much of his life in Squamish. He completed his education and become a Power Engineer at BC Rail while operating his own garage door business – Progress Door. He also pursued his passion for home improvement, travel, wine making, dancing, and music – not a day went by when we didn’t hear music in the house. He was also dedicated to his grandchildren.
More recently, he spent time at Club Flex, where he enjoyed working out and talking with his friends. He also played a major role as a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Michal Balinowski will be dearly missed by his loving family and many close friends.
Michal – Mike to his many friends – was born Oct. 25, 1942 in what was then known as Turia, Poland. From his early childhood and throughout his life, Mike appreciated the rewards of hard work and perseverance. During the tough post-war years that gripped his native Poland, he worked to support his widowed mother before putting himself through school. On Nov. 5, 1967, he married Alicja Kowalczyk, and Damian was born the following year. Not satisfied with the daily grind of life in a Communist dictatorship, Michal sought a better life for his young family and immigrated to Canada in 1972, expecting them to join him shortly thereafter. When the authorities refused to allow his wife and son to travel, he refused to give up. He spent the next five-and-a-half years laying the foundation for a new life, including moving to Squamish to start a career at BC Rail as a welder. He and his friend built and sold their first house together before building his family home while relentlessly fighting to re-unite his family. His efforts finally paid off in 1977 when Alicja and Damian were able to join him. Angelica was born in 1980 and the Balinowski family continued their life in the Garibaldi Highlands.
Mike spent much of his life in Squamish. He completed his education and become a Power Engineer at BC Rail while operating his own garage door business – Progress Door. He also pursued his passion for home improvement, travel, wine making, dancing, and music – not a day went by when we didn’t hear music in the house. He was also dedicated to his grandchildren.
More recently, he spent time at Club Flex, where he enjoyed working out and talking with his friends. He also played a major role as a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Michal Balinowski will be dearly missed by his loving family and many close friends.