Harald KRUSCHE

KRUSCHE, Harald Wiktor
March 21, 1909 - Lodz, Poland
January 27, 2014 - Black Diamond, Alberta
Major of the Polish Cavalry,
Chemical Engineer, Pioneer
With deep sorrow we announce the passing of the dear husband of Madelaine Suska, and our father, grandfather and uncle: Anna Krusche, Nessa and Olenka Forde; Jack and Agnieszka Krusche, Natalka, Konrad and Filip; Andrew, Richard, and Julie Oko.
During WWII while Poland was regrouping, Russia invaded from the East. Harald was taken POW to Oflag IIC Woldenberg. He escaped and then with the help of the Danish underground rowed across the Baltic to Sweden, and then rejoined the Polish Forces in Scotland. At war's end he received his Master's from Imperial College. The forced Russian communist regime in Poland encouraged his decision to immigrate to Canada, sponsored by the Dorosz family of engineers in Regina. As a chemical engineering pioneer he brought into production the first propane plant in Canada (Turner Valley) and the largest petrochemical plant in Canada (Celanese). He then introduced the practice of environmental engineering to the City of Edmonton, the Chemical Institute of Canada, and the Environmental Conservation Authority - which was the first citizens' advisory board to propose effective environmental legislation in Alberta. He was an early member of the AWA, the Committee for an Independent Canada, and Alberta Hostelling, and the Calgary Ski Club. After his retirement he built Bachmat, a 42' ocean going sloop and then a little house in Hawaii where he wrote his memoirs. He loved motors: racing motorcycles before the War, and repairing and tinkering all manner of vehicles, until his last days. In his spare time, he dabbled in astrophysics - in awe of the universe and its infinite beauty. In lieu of flowers - read an article on astrophysics or moose behaviour. Memorial to be held on his 105th Birthday. Please check www.Krusche.com for details and stories. "Lets' went"