Paul OLEARCZYK

OLEARCZYK, Paul Louis
June 12, 1925 – November 7, 2016
On November 7, Paul Olearczyk left this life at age 91 to join his loving wife Alice, eldest son Jerry, and his parents in Heaven, and enjoy the company of other family members, friends and pets who had passed through the Pearly Gates before him.
Paul was amazed he made it to such a ripe old age, and he truly felt he'd lived a good, full life. Left to remember and grieve for him are his son John, daughter Linda, older sister Helen, son-in-law Sergio, grandson Evan, and numerous other family members and friends.
Paul was born in Sanok, Poland, and when he was 10, he moved to Canada with his mother and sister to join Paul's father in Edson. It was a small rural community then, and Paul enjoyed walking in the woods, hunting for squirrels and fishing.
He was a handsome man well into old age, and when girls chased him as a teenager, he literally ran the other way because he was rather shy!
At 18, he joined the Canadian Army and proudly served during WWII. After his discharge, he began a 37-year career with the CNR, beginning as a fireman on steam locomotives and working his way up to engineer.
One of his most memorable experiences with CN was driving the Royal Train when Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip came to Alberta to open the 1978 Commonwealth Games. He was honoured to meet the Royal Couple, and used to say, 'Not bad for a kid from Poland!'
Paul did quite a bit of traveling, including making several trips to Europe with his son Jerry. In 1990 they traveled together to Poland and Ukraine so Paul could reconnect with family members in the old country. Paul's sister and her daughter joined them for that joyful reunion.
He also fondly remembered a cruise, and holidays in Hawaii and Disneyland with wife Alice, as well as enjoyable vacations with his daughter Linda.
And in 2004, Paul and his younger son John had a memorable time travelling to Paris and Amsterdam together.
Paul was a kind and generous man, and people found him to be very likeable and charming. He liked to smile a lot, was friendly and good-natured, and had a good sense of humour. The neighbourhood kids also liked him. He was one of the few adults who played games like hide and seek with them once in a while.
Paul and Alice hosted many family get-togethers, especially during the 1960s, and their modest but comfortable bungalow was virtually Christmas Central for several years. No matter how many visitors arrived, by some holiday miracle, their house never seemed too small. It was filled with the smell of delicious food Alice prepared, and there was lots of laughter and lively conversation. Fortunately, life was sweet for Paul for many years.
Considering his long service with CN, some people will probably also think of Paul when they hear the sound of a lonely train whistle in the distance.
He was a wonderful man and a real sweetheart, and will be very sadly missed.
Paul's family would like to thank the staff of the Kipnes Centre for Veterans for taking such good care of him while he was there.
Funeral Services will take place at St. Edmund Catholic Church, 13120 – 116 St., Edmonton, on Wednesday, November 16: Visitation from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m., Funeral Mass at 11 a.m., and Burial to follow at St. Michael's Cemetery, 13819 – 82 St. Lunch will be served at the church hall afterward.
Photos, memories and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com.