Jan Anthony Widuch

Widuch, Jan Anthony
October 30, 1927 - November 21, 2010
Architect
Jan Anthony Widuch, age 83, passed away on November 20, 2010. Jan was a man whom everyone noticed whenever he entered a room. Tall, with an ever-present smile, sly chuckle, and a mischievous twinkle in his eye, he also possessed incredible class and kindness.
Jan was born on October 30, 1927 in Katowice, Poland. Jan's father was a well-known architect in Poland and Jan was raised in an atmosphere of art, music and aesthetics. He considered becoming a professional cyclist but instead elected to become an architect.
Jan became a brilliant architect who graduated from the University of Krakow and designed buildings on two continents, both in his native Poland and in his adopted homes in Austria, Canada and the United States. In Los Angeles, whe worked with the firm Langdon and Wilson, where his most noted project design was the CAN office tower on Wilshire Boulevard and Lafayette Park in downtown Los Angeles. The building is admired by many architects. It is covered with reflecting mirror glass which makes it look like a piece of art.
He was a man of first-class taste, who loved classical music, great food and conversation with friends to whom his home was always open. He was a world-traveler with his wife and partner in adventure Jolanta. Jan spoke Polish, German and English. He took fantastic photographs and slides, that he would then show to friends and family with his always-witty and insightful commentary on the places they'd been and the people they'd seen.
Jan had a passionate love of cycling and tennis, a sport that kept him physically fit and agile throughout most of his life. His joy, ability and surprising competitiveness were all aspects of him that we'll never forget.
Jan and Jolanta enjoyed 53 years of marriage. Their love was exemplified by the can-do, defiant and optimistic spirit they showed after the 1994 Northridge earthquake, after which they rebuilt and improved their shattered home.
Jan fought his long debilitating illness with grace, dignity and his ever-present smile. He will be remembered with admiration.
A funeral Mass was held on December 1, 2010 at St. Cyril of Jerusalem Catholic Church in Encino, California, in celebration of his life.
Jan is survived by his wife Jolanta, his sister in law Karola Kozlowski, brothers-in-law Pater, Kamil and Ludwik Kozlowski and their wives and nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Dr. Peter Guzy and Dr. Clifford Kahn, who were of great aid and support during his long illness.