Franciszek (Frank) Stefan Tomczyk, aged 82, of Mississauga, passed away at Credit Valley Hospital, the morning of Friday, July 26th, after a valiant 3 year battle with lymphoma.

Franciszek will be dearly missed by his loving wife of over 45 years, Todzia Tomczyk, sons Grzegorz with wife Irena, Bogdan, and his daughter Beata with husband Jason Parsons. He will always be remembered as the loving grandfather to his many grandchildren: Dominika with husband Markian, Daniel, Daria, Carter, Evelyna and Frankie. He was able to meet his great granddaughter Olivia before his passing, which brought him a tremendous amount of joy. Born in Poland in the village of Wolka, to Stefan & Lucyna Tomczyk on August 31, 1936, he was the middle child of five siblings; predeceased by his brother Stanislaw (died during WWII), but predeceasing his elder sister Danusia and younger brothers Janek and Wojtek, who still live in Poland.

After leaving Communist Poland in 1971, he made his way through England and Sweden before moving to Canada in 1972, with less than $75 dollars in his pocket. Within days, he had found his first job in Toronto, and worked tirelessly for many years. His tenacity and work ethic were his core, which allowed him to build a successful life for himself in a foreign country, and eventually help his sons immigrate.

For 22 years Frank was as a dedicated and hardworking mechanic at Molsons Brewery, in Toronto. Upon retirement in 2000, he spent most of his time at the family cottage, where he enjoyed his golden years fishing, playing cards, discussing politics, tending to the cottage, building additions onto the cottage and most importantly, spending time with his family. Many will remember Frank as the person who showed them how to set up a fishing rod, how to cast or how to clean a fish. Frank had a passion for and indepth knowledge of geography, history and politics, and would frequently share with others if they were willing to learn.

Franciszek Tomczyk was a proud man who found joy in knowing he had a tight-knit family who loved and cherished him. His humour and wit will be missed by so many, however loved ones find solace is knowing that his suffering has ended and he is now at peace with God.