Carl Kazmierski Ph.D.

KAZMIERSKI, Carl (PhD) Carl (a.k.a. Papa Kaz,, a.k.a. Deacon Dad) was called by God in the early morning of Monday, March 7, 2011. Although his life was ended by cancer it was defined by love, prayerful devotion to God, unfailing support for his family and service to his neighbour. Born and raised in Yonkers, New York, Carl came to Ottawa in 1965 to study and later work in the Religious Studies department at the University of Ottawa. He lived here the rest of his life, but for a four-year stint in Germany to complete his doctorate in theology. Whether in his vocations as husband, father, deacon of the Catholic Church (and educator of deacons), in his career as a university professor, or in his work fighting for the inclusion of mentally-challenged children, dad will be remembered as a teacher and advocate. He taught in lecture halls and in church basements; he taught from a pulpit and in a pub; he taught beside a fireplace and across the dining room table. Regardless of the venue, the lesson was always rooted in the Gospel's message of love, acceptance and inclusion. Our family is grateful for the loving support provided by so many friends during the course of dad's illness and for the superb care provided by Dr. Louise Coulombe and our wonderful team of nurses. This care and support ensured that dad could die in the home he loved surrounded by his family: Mary Anne, Vincent, Angie, Greg, Cal, Tara, Paige, Josh, Phoenix and Nerisse. He will be missed also by his sisters Joan, Maryann and Jean, sisters-in-law Angie and Pat, his brothers-in law Otto, Bob, Jim and Father John, and countless nieces and nephews in both Canada and the United States. At this time, the family has arranged a private funeral. However, Carl's students, friends and co-parishioners are invited to join us at a public memorial mass to be celebrated in June.