Wladimir Kucharczyk | polishexiles

Wladimir KUCHARCZYK

Wladimir Kucharczyk was born to Ignacy and Nadezhda Kucharczyk on 9 November 1921 in eastern Poland. The Germans invaded Poland from the west on 1 September 1939, and the Russians invaded from the east on 17 September 1939. They divided Poland between them. In the Russian-controlled area, the plan to ethnically-cleanse the area soon took effect with the first of four mass deportations to Siberia that were carried out in 1940 and 1941. Wladimir was deported to a Soviet labour camp by the Russians.

In June 1941, Germany turned on its ally, Russia. Stalin then quickly changed tactics and allied himself with the west so that the allies could help him defeat the Germans. This led to the signing of the Sikorski-Majewski agreement that called for the freeing of Poles imprisoned in POW camps and labour camps in the USSR, and the formation of a Polish Army in the southern USSR.

The news of this ‘amnesty’ did not reach every camp, but where it did become known, the men and boys soon made plans to make their way south to join the army. For most, this meant walking thousands of kilometers and only occasionally getting on a train for part of the journey. Many did not make it, and those who did were emaciated skeletons by the time they got there. Wladimir made this perilous journey south.

He joined the Polish 2nd Corps and evacuated to Persia with the army. He trained in the Middle East, and fought in the Italian Campaign, including the Battles of Monte Cassino, Bologna, Ancona, and Loretto. He served with the Corps from 1942 to 1947.

After being demobilized, he emigrated to Canada in 1947, on a two-year work contract, and eventually settled in Winnipeg.

The horrid memories and the nightmares of his past never left him, even until the last few days of his life. Upon imprisonment in the camps of Siberia as a teenager, Walter left behind his mother Nadezhda, whom he never saw again. His father Ignacy’s imprisonment and service during the war years parallelled Wladimir’s and they arrived together in Canada. Ignacy is buried in the Field of Honour at Brookside Cemetery. In Winnipeg,

Wladimir met and married Jean Hatmanenko in June 1950. Just 16 months short of their 50th wedding anniversary, Jean died in February 1999. Jean had been a rock for Walter. As well as maintaining their home life, she helped him in his business. They doted on their daughter Connie who now survives them both, owing them an immense debt of gratitude.

In 1949, Wladimir began his career in the oil industry in Manitoba as a land agent. In 1996, he was inducted into the Manitoba Oil Museum Hall of Fame "for his outstanding contribution to the petroleum industry of Manitoba. Walter had, more than anyone, been an advocate for the oil industry in Manitoba. He has provided guidance to oil companies, landowners, and politicians.

Wladimir who has been referred to as the conscience of the legislative assembly has personally known every Premier of Manitoba since Duff Roblin. He enjoyed many years of sitting in the Speakers Gallery of the Manitoba Legislature, following the proceedings, especially during question period. He attended countless committees and appeared before a number, speaking at length without notes. He learned a lot and contributed a lot. One of his many favourite quotes, which he in fact lived by, was the variously ascribed, "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country".

He was awarded the Canada 125 Medal. Wladimir acted for some years as an international trade consultant, engaging in both economic and cultural trade between East and West, attempting to increase positive relations when they were so very low.

One of his concerns was the care and treatment of the mentally ill. He had been a board member of the Manitoba Mental Health Research Foundation. Why should so many suffer so much? He was frequently asked by leaders of government and industry for his opinions and advice. He was, by circumstances, self-taught, capable, productive, and a good provider for his family, and ethical to a fault. He loved a challenge and would pursue it to the end.

Wladimir passed away on 28 February 2003 in Winnipeg, at the age of 82 years, and was buried at the Brookside Cemetery.