BAJAK : Andrew Bajak passed away on March 29, 2011 at River Heights Lodge in North Battleford, Sask. Andrew was born in Tenczyn, Poland in 1919, and was the eldest of three children. His father was a fighter pilot in World War I and passed away when Andrew was very young. His mother passed away shortly after that and Andrew was raised by his two sisters. At the start of World War II he was sent to Germany to work in forced labour camps. It was there that he met his wife Anna. They were married in 1946. After the war, they continued to live in German refugee camps, and it was during this time that their daughter Helen, as well as their two sons Chester and Edward, was born. In 1950 Andrew immigrated to Canada, with Anna following a year later. They resided on a farm near Whitkow, SK for one year. They then moved to North Battleford and eventually built their first home. Soon after, they had another son John, as well as two daughters Barbara and Jean. Andrew and his son Chester eventually built their second house where Andrew and his wife continued to raise their family. Andrew worked as an equipment operator for the City of North Battleford, and retired after 33 years of service. He spent his retirement doing some travelling and enjoying his yard and garden. His wife Anna passed away in 2002. Andrew spent the last two years of his life in River Heights Lodge. He took pride in his job, his family, and his heritage. He will be missed by his family and friends. Andrew leaves to cherish his memory his children: Helen (Ed) Harder, Chester (Annie) Bajak, Edward Bajak, John (Jakki) Bajak, Barbara (Rob) Bajak-Woolsey, Jean (Randy) Matsalla; Andrew's grandchildren: Rick Harder, Tamara (Jeff) Courtice, Joanne (Greg) Gubbe, Chris (Leanne) Bajak, Cindy (Pat) Lessard, Amber Bajak, Brett Matsalla, Jenna Matsalla, Linaya Matsalla, Reiss Woolsey, Vaughn Woolsey, Sarah Bajak; Andrew's great grandchildren: T.J. Elder, Janaya Elder, Kirklynd Elder, Jane Harder, Daniel Harder, Scott Lessard, Danika Lessard, Deacon Gubbe, and Bronlyn Gubbe. He was predeceased by his wife Anna; parents John and Maria Bajak; and sisters Francis and Ann. Prayers were held on Friday April 1 from St. Joseph Calasanctius Roman Catholic Church with Pat Smith presiding. The funeral mass was held on Saturday April 2 also from St. Joseph Calasanctius Roman Catholic Church with Reverend Father Gerard Legaspi as celebrant. Interment took place at the City of North Battleford Cemetery. Donations in Andrew's memory may be made to the River Heights Lodge Auxiliary. Condolences for the family may be left at Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Kristeen Nylander of Sallows & McDonald Funeral Home, North Battleford, SK. (306) 445-2418 ____________________________________________________
