SOWINSKI, Joe: Passed away peacefully at his home with his wife at his side on the morning of December 8th, 2014. Joe was born on August 2nd, 1933 in Tarnopol Saskatchewan and moved to British Columbia in 1961. He is predeceased by his mother Marcella, his father John, and his brother Frank. Joe started his teaching career in a one-room country school in Tarnopol in 1953. As a continuous learner, after saving some money he left Tarnopol three years later to completed his first university degree from the University of Saskatchewan. Once he completed his first degree, he joined the provincial government and taught public health in Saskatchewan for a year. After teaching in the public school system again for a year in first Sturgis then Lac La Ronge he moved to Nelson in 1961. He finally settled in Kelowna in 1964 teaching at KSS, George Elliot, and on finally at the brand new Okanagan Mission Secondary School. During his travels in the 1960's he also taught for a short time in Richmond and completed his second degree at the University of British Columbia. Joe had a passion for teaching and guiding young minds and worked for years as a school district department head and champion for education. In 1968 he met the love of his life Kathy Sowinski in Kelowna at the badminton club. They were married on Kathy's 26th birthday on June 28th, 1969. Together they purchased a hobby farm and raised a family in Kelowna. Kathy and Joe have two sons Marc and Jason, two daughter in laws Jane and Tammy, and four grandchildren Matthew, Sara, Ava, and Isaac. Later in life, they both enjoyed an active retirement filled with travel, friends, and family. Joe and Kathy have been blessed with many supportive friends who have continued to be an active part of their lives in sickness and in health. Joe's entire loving family were with him in the last days and are thankful for all the time that they were able to share with him. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 16th at 10:30 am at St. Charles Garnier Parish, 3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the ALS society. Donations may be made on their website at www.als.ca or at Joe's memorial service. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.
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