Ryszard Piotr Szornack passed away on June 26, 2023 in Mississauga, Ontario after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Ryszard was born on February 24,1951 to Pawel and Marianna Szornack in Gdańsk, Poland. Ryszard was the second oldest of 3 children, brother to Henryk and Danuta. After growing up in Gdańsk and raising his 2 children, Anna and Dariusz, he moved to Canada with the goal of providing a better life for his family. Ryszard was a hardworking man who made many sacrifices for the future of his loved ones. He worked as a skillful and sucessful millwright for many years in Canada. Ryszard was known to those around him as a master of his work and a man of many trades. To the amazement of others, there was nothing he could not repair and always left these things in better condition than when he found them.

Ryszard was a man who loved and respected all forms of nature and was happiest when he was outdoors, in the sun, on the lake and catching fish. He enjoyed many summers on Pigeon Lake doing just that with his wife Ewa.

Everyone who knew Ryszard, knew him to be wise, gentle and kind. A person many could turn to in times of difficulty for unconditional love and support and great perspective.

Ryszard was a loving husband and great friend. Beloved father to his children, Anna and Dariusz and a cherished grandfather to his 4 grandchildren Karina, August, Karol and Olivier. Ryszard touched the lives of many and his family and friends miss him immensely.

Family and friends are invited to a mass in Ryszard’s honour on Wednesday July 5th 10-11am at St Eugene De Mazenod Church on 1252 Steeles Ave W in Brampton. Afterward there will be a gathering to celebrate and remember Ryszard from 11-2 at Millenium Gardens Banquet at 20 Polonia Ave #100 in Brampton.

If you would like to donate, there is a page in Ryszard’s memory with Pancreatic Cancer Canada.