ROGOWSKI: On February 17, 2005, Mieczyslaw (Mike) passed away peacefully in Brandon with many loved ones by his side. Mike's life journey began on December 12, 1923 in Rudnia-Stryj, Poland, when he was born to John and Philamenia. He was the eldest of three children. Mike fought against the Nazi oppression and spent two years and seven months as a prisoner of war. In 1948, he came to Canada looking for a better life. He worked for CP Railway on the extra gang and then for B & B Construction building CN Rail bridges for a year. From there, he worked in the Rivers Air Force Base maintenance department for seven years. With drive and determination, Mike started his own business - Mike Rogowski And Son's Construction. Mike left his mark all over Brandon from working on the original hospital and Westman Lab, to Shilo, to numerous houses with always the highest quality of workmanship and materials. He enjoyed many good times at the Sokol Association, where he was a life member and with his family and friends hunting, fishing and playing cards. His greatest joy was fishing and gardening at the cabin he built in Waterhen. With the river in front and surrounded by the peaceful woods, this home was his paradise. Mike is survived by: his twin siblings, Walter and Wtadystawa Dobrowska; two nephews and three nieces still residing in Poland; his children Richard (Susan), twin sons Bart and Stanley; daughter Sharon and their mother Dora. He is also survived by long-time friend and companion Sophie and her children Janice (Rick), Susan (Martin), Dianne (Stephen), Jerry (Alison), Barbara (Wes). He was "Grandpa Mike" to Sophie's 12 grandchildren. The Funeral Service was held at Memories Chapel on Monday, February 21, 2005 with Father Jerzy Urbanski of St. Joseph's Polish National Catholic Church officiating. Pallbearers were Richard McLean, Martin Zuzens, Stephen Costello, Jerry Evaskow, Shane Macialek and Brad Chodak. Interment followed in the Veteran's Section of the Brandon Cemetery. A luncheon followed at the Sokol Hall. Friends who so desire may make a donation in memory of Mike to either the Polish Sokol Association, 33-11th Street North, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 2S3; the Royal Canadian Legion, 560 13th Street East, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 7C1 or to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation - Palliative Care, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 2B3. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to memorieschapel@mts.net. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330. Memorials
Bdn. Regional Health Centre Foundation, or Polish Sokol Association