Jan Stroski

Jan was born in Stryj, Poland, where he completed his studies. He volunteered to serve in the Navy in 1938. During WW2 he participated in action near Gdynia, Hel, and the defence at Westerplatte. He was taken prisoner by the Germans and was sent to Stalag II C near Szczecin, where he had to work on a German farm.

In 1945 he was released by American occupation forces and taken to the English sector of Germany in Rotenberg. After five years of living in various refugee camps, he left for Canada on a two-year work contract in June 1948. Arriving in Halifax, he continued to Winnipeg and worked on a farm near the city.

After completion of the work contract, and having brought his wife Jadwiga from Germany, he remained in Winnipeg and joined the Polish Combatants Association, Branch No. 13, and the Royal Canadian Legion, "A. Mynarski". For his social work of many years, he was awarded: the Bronze Medal, Silver Medal and Gold Medal by the veteran associations. He also received the September 1939 Campaign medal.

Jan was employed by Eaton’s, and he and Jadwiga were kept busy looking after their two children - Lucy and Mark. After Jadwiga passed away, and after 10 years as a widower, he married Janina Sawicka (a widow) with whom he shared his advanced years.

Jan Stroski passed away in Winnipeg on 14 January 2013 at the age of 93 years.