FATHER HENRYK AUGUSTYNOWICZ

1945 - 2024

Father Henryk Augustynowicz, beloved priest, mentor, and friend, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024, in Thunder Bay. He was born in Wilno, Poland, on May 19, 1945, to Piotr Augustynowicz and Joanna ?ukowska. After completing his seminary studies, Fr. Henryk was ordained to the priesthood on December 21, 1971, by the Archbishop of Krakow, Cardinal Karol Wojtyla (the future Pope St. John Paul II).

His vocational journey soon after brought him to Canada, where he began pastoral ministry within the Diocese of Thunder Bay. Since then, he has served in many parishes and communities across the diocese, most recently as pastor of Annunciation Parish, Nipigon, and St. Hilary Parish, Red Rock, just prior to his retirement last year.

Fr. Henryk offered encouragement and support over the years to many parish C.W.L. councils, Knights of Columbus councils, and altar societies, and will be lovingly remembered as the founding Spiritual Assistant for the Discalced Carmelite Secular Order, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Community of Thunder Bay.

In his personal and professional life, Fr. Henryk was a firm believer in the power of prayer. He was especially devoted to praying the rosary and found joy in seeing others do the same. The rich traditions of his Polish heritage were also important to him as were the many lifegiving friendships that he enjoyed within the Polish community.

Fr. Henryk was generous in supporting others, especially those in need. He was personally involved in sponsoring nearly 80 families as newcomers to Canada, and his perogy sales benefited numerous other worthy causes. His love for cooking was a gift that he generously shared with parishioners and friends alike. Travelling, hunting and mushroom picking were also pastimes he enjoyed over the years.

Fr. Henryk is survived by his brothers Edmund (Irena), Jan, and Andrzej (Krystyna), his sister, Maria (Henryk) Ma?ek, his sister-in-law, Zofia, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends.

Fr. Henryk was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Tadeusz, and his sister-in-law, Agnieszka.

Visitation for family and friends will take place at St. Patrick Cathedral (211 Archibald Street South, Thunder Bay) on Thursday, November 14, 2024, beginning at 6 p.m. with Vigil prayers to follow at 7 p.m..

Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Cathedral with Rev. Monsignor Pat Stilla, V.G., presiding and with priests of the diocese concelebrating. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery.

"The goal and target of our life is He, the Christ who awaits us - each one singly and altogether - to lead us across the boundaries of time to the eternal embrace of God who loves us." ~St. John Paul II

On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com