Franciszek was born to Stefan and Małgorzata Wdowczyk in Poland in 1938. He had seven siblings: Stefania, Feliks, Ryszard, Stanislaw, Sabina, Florence, and Kasia.

​

Franciszek and his family survived deportation to North of Siberia at the outset of the Second World War. Released by the 'amnesty' they were eventually relocated to Polish Refugee camps in Africa and later in England.

 

Franciszek emigrated to Calvington, Saskatchewan in Canada in 1952. In 1957, he moved to Brantford, Ontario, where he met and married Eugenia (nee Mroz). Because Franciszek had been forced to move so often, when he planted his roots, he planted them deeply and made Brantford his forever home.

​

Frank was extremely proud of his Polish heritage, and equally proud to be Canadian. Frank was a retiree of Steffco/Genfast, and a proud union member. He was a Life Member of the Polish Mutual Benefit and Friendly Society, a longtime member of St Joseph’s Catholic Church, and the Polish Combatant’s’ Association (SPK Grp. 4).

 

Believing that everyone’s cultural heritage should be recognized, respected, and shared, he co-founded the still vibrant Brantford International Villages Festival, and the Hejnal Song and Dance Ensemble. He served on every executive position of the Polish Hall, the Board of the Brant Housing Authority, and as a Brantford Auxiliary Police Officer. He was the Recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee medal and several survivor medals from the Polish Government and Consulate.

​

He was predeceased by his wife Eugenia, and survived by his children: John, Frank Jr., and Dianne. Franciszek passed away on 6 December 2025, in his 88th year. He was buried at St Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Brantford, Ontario.

​

​

​

Copyright: Wdowczyk family

​

​