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Bish Dolegiewicz Obituary

Bish Dolegiewicz 1953 ~ 2008 Zbigniew Bishop Dolegiewicz passed away October 29, 2008 at the age of 55.Bish was born on July 8, 1953 to Edward and Maria Dolegiewicz in Toronto, Canada. He married Anna Christina Bullock July 13, 2001. She was the love of his life. As a three-time Olympic Track and Field athlete, and World's Strongest Man Competitor, Bishop Dolegiewicz successfully competed at international levels and coached athletes and teams to both national and international levels. Bish was always ranked in the top 10 in the world as a thrower and was considered to be one of the strongest men in the world. Bish is most recognized as a National Coach with Canada's Olympic Track and Field Team having created the strength and conditioning programs for the Canadian Sprints and Throws Teams as well as coaching the throwers technically, and having coached some of the best athletes in the world. Most recently, Bish was coaching at Utah Valley University with his wife. He said that he would coach until he died and was coaching on his last day. Bish is survived by his wife Anna, his father and mother, and his brother and sister-in-law, Richard Dole and Wanda Dorosz. Bish always said that he would be wearing the white hat and that he would always be fighting for good. Bish always put others first. He helped so many through his teachings. He is loved by many and will never be forgotten. Funeral services will be held Sat., November 1, 2008 at 2 p.m. in the Sego Lily LDS Ward Chapel, 900 N. 700 E., Lehi, Utah. Family and friends may call Sat. at 12 noon till the time of service at the church. Interment, Lehi City Cemetery. Online guest book at wingmortuary.com In lieu of flowers, please make charitable donations to Bish Strength at the Bank of American Fork, 712 East Main Street, Lehi, Utah, 84043, account #4121729, which will be used to help young track and field athletes achieve their Olympic dreams. Tax receipts will follow as soon as possible.

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune on Nov. 1, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Bish Dolegiewicz

Sponsored by anonymous.

26 Entries

Dan Biocchi

December 21, 2008

I was one of Bishop's teamates in 1976 Olympics and 1978 Commonwealth Games 1979 World Student Games. I'm very sorry he has left us. My condolences to his family. His ability and size could never match the size of his heart.

Maria Findlay

December 4, 2008

Dear Ana,
We are so sorry to hear about Bish. He was a great man and we will miss him. Take care of yourself and your family, Dr. Mathew & Maria Findlay & Staff

Paul Ke

November 24, 2008

I am not sure what to say other than I find great peace in knowing that Bish took such good care of himself in his later years. I knew Bish in the early to mid 90s as a friend of my wife. I can only express my thanks to God for bringing Bish to me. We spent many a night talking over many dinners about life, dreams, aspirations, etc. You read so much about his coaching. I remember him to be a man searching for a lifelong goal to be 'happy'. He was indeed a gentle giant of a man. I still remember the great times we had together. I only regret being too busy with life to get back in touch with Bish. My condolensces to you Anna. I only hope Bish will forgive me for losing touch. God bless you Bish and thank you so very much for the many many memories! See you in Heaven my friend.

Leona Uluakiola-Moala

November 7, 2008

To Ana and the Family,

Im deeply sorry for the loss of a great man and coach. He was so inspirational in every way. May God bless your family in this hard time and know Coach Bish is in a better place now. Coach Bish you will be missed and thank you for what you have done and inspired us to do.

Kyle Jarrett

November 5, 2008

Bish, you above all others had the uncanny ability to raise me up when I fell, literally. Always there with friendly advice and a smile, you exemplified all that I admire in a coach and person. The world has lost a great man and role model, and all I can say is, I hope someone has given you a decent map and something better than a bus to take you to the afterlife. Seriously though, sleep well. The time has come to rise above the toils of the world. We all miss you.

Cory Ure

November 5, 2008

Anna,

The news of Bish's passing dropped my heart right into my stomach. They don't come much better than Bish, and this world will be worse-off for his passing. He was an extraordinary person, a gentleman and one of the most adoring husbands I've ever seen. Watching him watch you would always make my day.

Bish, may your journey continue in peace.

Holly Bullock

November 5, 2008

We will miss you and know that we love you always! FAMILIES ARE FOREVER!

Jason Scott

November 5, 2008

Coach Bish, you helped push me to my limits, then beyond them. I because a stronger person physically and mentally with you help. I will never forget squating 308 lbs with you cheering me on.

You will be missed.

CDT Jason Scott

Bruce Bjorklund

November 4, 2008

Anna, I am so sorry to learn of Bish's passing. He was a good friend and a had a huge heart to everyone he coached. He loved you dearly and not one day went by that he did not mention you. I will always remember the times with him coaching and hanging out together.

Jack Harkness

November 4, 2008

Bish was a friend,role model and sometime room mate for me as I progressed from a rookie discus thrower on. Best recall late evening throwing workouts as the sun went down in Cal, bbqs in Dallas or driving around in my VW.Nothing but great respect, affection and memories. True sadness at your loss Anna. He left a mark both in the sector and on our lives.

James Hamburge

November 3, 2008

Dear Anna & Friends of Bish,

I am so sorry and so saddened to learn about the recent and sudden death of Coach Bish. It was my honor to hire Coach Bish and to add him to the faculty of Judge Memorial Catholic High School. What a great man! What a fabulous teacher, coach, mentor, and friend! His guidance, coaching, and role modeling was a tremendous gift to the young men and women at Juan Diego Catholic High School and Judge Memorial Catholic High School during these past 10 years or so.

There are no words that can ease your sorrow, Anna. I can only say that Bish was a great man and a great friend and it was an honor to have him on our team and in the community of Judge Memorial. We will miss him always, but we will never forget all of the great things he did for young people and for the spirit of the Olympics in all mankind.

God bless you, Anna, and God bless you, Bish! You're the best!

Sincerely,
James F. Hamburge, Principal
Judge Memorial Catholic High School
2002-2006

Mason Goodhand

November 3, 2008

Anna,

Thank you for sharing Bish with us. "Coach Bish" was the first of the "establishment" at JDCHS who secretly revealed his enthusiasm for the lacrosse program when it wasn't yet accepted by the school leadership. If the kids were excited about it, he was excited about it.
Bish was a gentle giant and genuinely friendly sole and we will miss him. It's with both sadness and admiration that I will remember Man Mountain who was dedicated to helping young people reach their full potential.

Anthony Barbiero

November 3, 2008

Anna,
I am so sorry for your loss. What a great man! Bish was such a great influence on many young lives. And everyone that I ever met, that knew Bish held him in such high regards. Bish will always hold a special place in my life. Bish is a once in a life friend and I will never forget the lessons I have learned from him both as a coach and a human being. If there is ever anything I can do for you, please let me know. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Lisa & Nate Rock

November 3, 2008

Your inspiration will always shine in my son, and many other sons and daughters.... for he admired you like none other. You will be missed. God bless.

Amy & Greg Fairchild

November 3, 2008

Dear Anna,
Our hearts go out to you and your family right now. Bish was certainly one of a kind and he really loved you with all of that big heart of his. He truly was the guy in the white hat. So many people pointed out what a great person he was at the funeral and how he affected their lives. It brought him back to life even if only for an hour or two. He touched everyone that knew him. Know that both you and he are in our thoughts and prayers. We're here when you need it.

emme liddell

November 3, 2008

Anna,
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you can find peace at this difficult time. Bish left a great legacy. I am sure that you will do all you can to keep it alive. God Bless you at this time. Emme Liddell Hunter High

Hollis Pincock

November 3, 2008

I only talked with the man once - and I came away amazed with his enthusiasm for my daughter (who is a freshman at UVU this year). He was kind, energetic, helpful and fun to talk to. He had already inspired my daughter with his teaching and coaching. She was excited about the season with this fine man and his wonderful wife as her coaches. My sincere condolences to the family. My prayers are with you.

Roger Buhrley

November 2, 2008

While the evidence of Bish's impact on the youth of Utah is evident because of their accomplishments in Track and Field, the real impact was far more subtle. He spent 1000's of hours with throwers of all abilities. All of them emerged from the experience as better throwers, but more importantly, better people. He's left a void that will be impossible to fill.
Thanks Bish.
Anna, my thoughts are with you during this trying time. However, I'm sure Bish gave you the strength to cope. Keep his legacy alive.

Racheal Gerber

November 2, 2008

The first time I met Bish was at thier house while demonstrating for a stamp party. I thought he was very respectful of Anna and always tried to help her when she needed it.

Rachel Everett

November 2, 2008

Coach Bish you will be missed and loved by all who've known you. Thank you for all you did for me those years teaching track and field and being the weights coach at Juan Diego. You pushed me to strive to be the best I can be. Thanks for everything coach. Anna I am so sorry for your lose, you had such an amazing husband. I am very grateful for having the chance to know him.

Zach Horrocks

November 2, 2008

Hey Bish sorry about the lose. You really help develop a lot of young athletes who love and respect you. I am one of them. Anna my heart goes out to you and the family. I will miss Coach Bish.

Jeanette Nelson

November 1, 2008

I am so sorry to hear of Bish's passing. He was a good man with a good heart. I hope that you are able to find peace in knowing that he had such an amazing influence on so many people.

Brian Bernard

November 1, 2008

I threw for Bish for 4 years at Juan Diego, and he helped me transform myself from a gangly 6'5" 190 pound kid, to a 305 pound man. Beyond the physical training, he was an incredible person to be around, always positive and always helping, the best coach anyone could dream of having. I miss him and will always remember his mantra, "when in doubt, power out." I love you Bish.

Vince Salamon

November 1, 2008

I am very sorry to hear about Bish's death. Bishop came to Saskatchewan in 1986 and transformed throwing events and weightlifting in our province in a very short time. He inspired and brought many of us further than we thought possible. He shared his life and home with us at one of the most difficult times in his life and we shared his pain. His legacy lives on as every thrower here has learned something from someone who learned from him.

david boyack

November 1, 2008

Bish is someone we always looked up to. Not just because of his size. Many of the best throwers in the state benifited from his expertise. Utah track and field has lost a great champion of our sport.

Dave Boyack
Spanish Fork High School
Track and Field

Matt & Teri Miller

November 1, 2008

We are so sorry to hear about Bish. He was a great track coach and respected by many. Our son Mason Miller was one of his athletes at Juan Diego Catholic High School. He learned alot from Bish. Our daughter Monica Miller threw the javelin at Weber State and enjoyed talking to Bish and you Anna at the track meets. Our prayers and sympathy are with you and your family. Track and field lost a great man.

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