Obituary of Andrzej (Andre) Janusz Kaminski

Passed peacefully in his sleep on Monday, June 3, 2024, at the age of 89 at the Montfort Hospital in Ottawa, after a long battle with heart disease. 

Most beloved husband and partner in life to Danuta (née Pustelniak); loving and devoted father to sons Mark (Ann), Jeremy (Jeannie), and Richard; proud and doting grandfather to Ethan, Jonathan, and Joseph; distant but adoring uncle to Helen, Romek & Janusz; and dearly missed by all.

Born in Buczacz, Poland on January 24, 1935, Andre was sent to Siberia with his Mother, Kazimiera, and brother, Jan (Gloria) after the invasion of Poland in 1939, while his father, Jozef, worked in the Gulag lumber camps. His family was reunited in England after World War II where Andre attended school, earned a degree in Civil Engineering, and met his wife, Danuta. His work led him to Canada — first to B.C. then North Bay, On. then finally Ottawa, where his time at C.I.D.A. (Canadian International Development Agency) allowed him to pursue his passion across continents, what he considered the most interesting and meaningful work of his career.

Upon retirement, Andre finally felt a ‘true Canadian’ when he became the proud owner of acreage and an off-grid cottage in the hills of Wilno, Ontario, part of Canada’s first Polish settlement.

Andre had many loves which continued throughout his life… one was music – especially opera – and automobiles, starting with his first car: a 1937 Austin Ruby Saloon. Even in his final days he never missed the latest auto magazines’ run-downs of the newest models for the new year. Perhaps Andre’s greatest love, however, was for laughter. He was never without a humorous comment to make in any situation, at any time, and to any one — loved one or stranger alike. 

His wry wit, underpinned by his curiosity for life, touched the hearts of all those he encountered. 

Farewell, Andre!

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and support staff at the Montfort for their professional, caring, and devoted attention during Andre’s final days.

All are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 22, between 3 pm and 5 pm at the Pinecrest Reception Centre, 2500 Baseline Road.