Aleksander Wakoluk

The family of Aleksander Wakoluk wish to announce his passing on November 12, 2019 in Penticton, BC. He was 101 years old.

Aleksander is survived by his wife, Wanda; children John, Irene (Karl) and Henry (Bev) all of Calgary, AB; grandchildren, Jenna (Matthew), Brett, Christopher (Sara), Lindsay (Shawn) and Ainsley (Greg); great-grandchildren, Avery, Taylor, Reid and Natalie.

Alek was born September 5, 1918 in Zahorce, Poland.

During the Second World War, Alek served with the Polish 1st Armoured Division (part of the Canadian Second Corps under the command of General Guy Simmond) in Normandy, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. The war ended on May 8, 1945 in Wilheshawen.

Alek was decorated with the 1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star, British Defence Medal, Polish Army Medal and Cross of the 1st Polish Armoured Division and the Cross from Poland, Krzyz Czynu Bojowego.

In July, 1994, Alex was awarded the Normandy Medal from France and two crosses from the Polish Combatants Association, Branch 18 in Calgary, AB.

After the War the 1st Polish Armoured Division came under British Command as B.A.O.R. which was assigned for occupation duty in Germany.

In March, 1947 the Polish Army was transferred to England for demobilization.

On September 29, 1947 Alek was honourably discharged with the rank of Artillery Bombardier.

In October, 1947 Alek came to Canada and was employed with C.P. Rail for 34 years working in various location in Alberta. In 1954 he moved to Calgary for permanent residence working as a heavy equipment operator until retiring in September, 1983.

Alek also served for 6 years as President of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Union Lodge 161. From July 12-17, 1982 Alek was a delegate for the 39th International Convention in Vancouver, BC representing Lodge 161.

Alek was also a member of the Polish Combatants Association, Branch 18 in Calgary and served as President in 1984, 1985 and 1986. Alek was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 264 in Calgary, AB and then of Branch 40 in Penticton, BC.

At his request, Alek will be buried in the Field of Honor at Queen’s Park Cemetery in Calgary, AB at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2019. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Charitable Foundation of the Polish Combatants Association in Canada online at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-charitable-foundation-of-the-polish-combatants-associati/ or by mail to The Charitable Foundation of the Polish Combatants' Association in Canada, Inc. (CFPCA), 379 Waverley Street, Ottawa ON K2P 0W4 or to any charity of your choice.