Obituary of Louis "Lewie" Anthony Czech

CZECH: Louis Anthony (Lewie). It is with heavy hearts we said good bye to our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. After his courageous battle with cancer, Lewie passed away at the age of 77, surrounded by his family, at the Assiniboine Centre, on Saturday, June 8, 2013. Lewie was born in Brandon on October 25, 1935 to Anthony and Albina (nee Grabowski) Czech. During his school years, he attended David Livingston, Earl Haig, and Brandon Collegiate institute, which is now known as New Era. Lewie's diverse array of jobs included employment with Bell Bottling, Western Motors, Cornell Brothers, Brandon Heating and Plumbing, and retiring with Brandon School Division. Being a plumber by trade, he was very knowledgeable and capable of fixing or repairing anything that crossed his path. We always said, that if he didn't know how to fix it, "He Knew A Guy!" Lewie was a proud life-long member of the Brandon Polish Sokol Gymnastics Association. This love of his heritage was passed on to him by his father, and it was important to Lewie that he support the Sokol in any way he could. During his lifetime, Lewie was a faithful member of St. Joseph's Polish National Catholic Church. Starting out as an altar boy, and graduating to the Church organist. A position which he held for over 50 years. Sports were another love of Lewie's, either on TV, or especially the ones he played. Darts and horseshoes were a favorite past time, and he bowled in a variety of 5 and 10 pin leagues for over 30 years. Golf though, was his passion. He enjoyed many years of fun with his family and friends. During his retirement years, Lewie made daily trips to A&W for his coffee (gossip) sessions. All the problems of the world were solved during these gatherings. Lewie thrived for 54 years with the love of his life, Luella. Their life-long partnership was not without hardships or struggles, but they persevered, and it made their marriage and love for one another even stronger. Four Children were born to Lewie and Luella. Luanne, Lana, Laurie and Lindy. Six people with all the same letter. What an "L" of a family! Lewie and Luella's joy was complete when the 3 grandsons, and 2 great granddaughters entered the picture. Over the years, they found ways to spoil the grandkids beyond belief. What was once against the rules for their children, now was ok for the younger generation. "Papa and Mama" really took on a new life when the grandkids came to visit. Our Dad was the strongest, most hard working man we have ever known. His passion and love for Mom and our family, gave us our strength to help let him go during his final hour. He instilled in us that no matter where we were, "we would always be a family." He taught us integrity, compassion and honesty. These were some of his life lessons to us. Lewie is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Luella (nee Cullen), children Luanne Williams, Lana (Robb) Swift, Laurie Czech and Lindy Mayes. Grandsons, Jeff and Ryan Williams and Christopher Mayes. Great Granddaughters, Lily and Mary Williams. Predeceased by his Father Anthony, Mother Albina (nee Grabowski), infant sister Agnes, and Granddaughter, Stefanie Dawn David. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, June 13th, 2013 at St. Joseph's Polish National Catholic Church, and Lewie's Celebration of Life was on Friday June 14th, 2013 at Brockie Donovan Chapel, with the Very Rev. Fr. Jerzy Urbanski officiating, Deacon Joe Stadnyk and Lector Lloyd Dyck assisting with the services. Donations in memory of Lewie may be made to: St. Joseph's Polish National Catholic Church, Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.