Atabek J. Ciechanowski

August 27, 1970 – July 12, 2023
With the heaviest of hearts, we grieve the loss of Ata, a dear son, father, nephew, cousin, friend, partner.
Ata was a natural born traveler from the day he came into this world on August 27th, 1970. He was born in Warsaw, Poland, the son of Jan Ciechanowski and Feeroza Lallmahomed Ciechanowski. Still a baby, his family returned to his mother's native island nation, Mauritius, where he spent his childhood years in Quatre Bornes, enjoying pick-up games of football (soccer), barefooted and on the beach with his buddies.
Graduating from Lycee Labourdonnais in 1987, he furthered his studies by moving to France and attending the Université Angers, graduating in 1991. Ata then took some time to explore the world further, this time to Burundi, Africa, where his father had accepted employment. When it was time to continue with his education, he resumed his world tour, moving to the United States and attending the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Chemical Engineering in 1996 and declared and certified a member of the Tau Beta Pi Association, the oldest engineering honor society and the second oldest collegiate honor society in the United States.
Through life experiences to follow, Ata found himself in Michigan and in 1998, he began a what proved to be a lifetime career with NSF International, loyal and committed, recently celebrating 25 years of dedicated service. In the first years of his employment with NSF, he earned his Masters of Engineering from the University of Michigan and in 2002, became a U.S. Citizen. Through the years, he was recognized by NSF and other organizations for many distinguished awards, but most undoubtedly the greatest achievement of his career came in 2022, when he was presented with ASTM International's highest annual award – the Award of Merit, for his contributions to ASTM's plastic piping systems committee. In addition, Ata was active in several other organizations related to pipes, such as the American Water Works Association, American Gas Association, and American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Travelling the world wasn't for education alone, one of Ata's passions was experiencing the culture and cuisine of every corner of the globe. He became an accomplished chef, creating dishes with the flavors he experienced during his travels in his own kitchen for the ones he loved. He was an avid reader and found particular interest in historical fiction from all cultures of the world. He was also an accomplished runner, completing 6 marathons, countless half-marathons and enough other races to fill a bucket with his medals.
Of course, it goes without saying that Ata's greatest achievement and passion were his kids, son Caleb and daughter Juliette. Whether it was attending their soccer games or many other sporting events, family trips to Florida or simply enjoying a Sunday Mauritian meal together, he was a very proud father and loved them, beyond all else.
Ata is preceded in death by his father Jan. He is survived by his mother Feeroza, two children Caleb and Juliette, girlfriend Denice, ex-spouse Anna, aunts, uncles, cousins, and the many, many dear friends that became Ata's second family over his lifetime. He was a truly gifted and unique person and left his family and friends with a lasting portrait of strength and courage, driving forward into the unknown, in search of a life goal.
Friends may join the family for a time of visitation on Friday, July 28th, from 2:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. at the Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home in Saline. A Celebration of Life Service will be take place at 2:30 P.M. Visitation will continue following the service until 5:00 P.M. While flowers are always appreciated, memorial contributions in Ata's name may be made to the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health. To leave a memory you have of Ata, to sign his guestbook or for directions please visit www.rbfhsaline.com