ZBIGNIEW PIROG

ZBIGNIEW "ZIG" PIROG February 15, 1948 - September 26, 2025
It is with great sadness and deep regret that we announce the passing of Zbigniew (Zig) Pirog on September 26, 2025.

Zbigniew was born in Krakow, Poland on February 15,1948 to parents Tadeusz and Honorata Pirog in the beautiful city of Krakow where he studied engineering. He was a proud Krakowiak and would visit Krakow every summer to immerse himself in the sights and sounds of the historical city. In 1978 he immigrated to Canada and started working in London, Ontario and later moved to Thunder Bay in 1984 to continue his profession as an engineer.

It is in Thunder Bay where he developed a passion for fishing and the outdoors. Zbigniew was a True Engineer, professionally and privately. He would measure, weigh and catalogue everything he did scrupulously. He was proud of his work and always said he was so thankful he got paid to do what he loved most in life.

While living on Simpson Street with his wife Krystyna he planned to build his house on John Street Road. He researched extensively, drew blueprints to accomplish his dream of being a home owner. Brick by brick, plank by plank he built his home with his own bare hands. It was in this home that he developed a love for gardening and valued hosting his closest friends and family.

Zbigniew would host bonfires (even in the cold) with great pride and good food and drink. Guests were treated to long-winded discussions, debates under the stars, kept warm by the fires he created. Zbigniew could talk about any subject or topic for hours. His knowledge was extensive. He was a Renaissance Man with many interests from science to history, wine-making to carpentry.

Those who knew Zbigniew most knew how witty he was and enjoyed his engineer-like sense of humour. He loved people even though he didn't like to admit it. When Zbigniew retired from Red Rock as a Contractor, he never slowed down. He found new projects and interests to fulfill his time in his retirement. He always had 101 projects on the go.

Zbigniew is survived by wife Krystyna, son Irek, grandchildren Mark and Alyssa. He is also survived by his family in Poland, niece Agnieszka and Malgorzata and their respective families. By his good friends the Osada family, Kessler family, Gajda family, Job family and Bill Skrepiczuk. Zbigniew was predeceased by his parents Tadeusz and Honorata Pirog, sister Halina and Brother-in-Law Adam Ropicki.

The family would like to take the opportunity to thank doctors, Dr. Olexiy Aseyev, Dr. Kathleen Simpson, Dr.Katrina Ward and the Cancer Clinic staff at the Regional for their exceptional care.

The memories that are and were held by his wife and loved ones will be treasured forever.

Funeral Services for Zig will be held in the R. Leino Memorial Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre on Thursday, October 2, 2025 presided by Fr. Piotr Dudek at 11:00 a.m. Visitation for family and friends will begin one hour prior to the service. Cremation will follow and Zig will be laid to rest in his beloved Krakow.

Condolences may be offered at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca