Frank KROWICKI

KROWICKI, Frank Jan
November 11, 1935 - July 25, 2013
Frank Krowicki led a remarkable life; an epic story of survival and success, overcoming what would have crippled most people. Born in Poland in 1935, when Frank was four years old his father was forcibly removed by Russians from the family home, never to be seen again. He and his three (step) siblings, mother and visiting aunt were captured and sent to northern Russia. Frank and his brother were put in an orphanage where the treatment of children was unspeakably brutal -only 10 % of the children survived. His two sisters died in Siberia. Through a political exchange program, the remaining family was reunited and sent to Zambia to a refugee camp. Life in Africa, though difficult, was a paradise compared to his earlier hardships. In 1947, Frank, his brother John, and his mother came to Canada through a sponsorship from his Uncle Nick, a farmer in Saskatchewan. At the age of 15, fed up with farm life, Frank left home to find work in the west. Over the next decade, Frank worked at many jobs, ending up at Uranium City until 1959 which he later described as "self-imposed jail to make money at the prime of his life". In 1959, things were looking up for Frank. He started making trips back to Europe, and during this period, he and a friend had a business smuggling cigarettes and raincoats from Copenhagen to Poland. The profit margin was huge, and it was an adventurous, gypsy life on which Frank looked back upon with great fondness. In 1965, Frank met and fell in love with Krystyna. They were married in 1966. A year later, Frank, pregnant Krystyna, and a Volkswagon filled with Danish furniture arrived in Canada. In 1967 Frank opened his first restaurant, Bar X Steakhouse which evolved into Smuggler's Inn, and rapidly became an iconic Calgary restaurant and landmark. Frank had a business vision of good quality, affordable dining that became an instant success. As his business expanded, so did Frank's family, to include his beloved children, Miles, Pamela, and Tamara. Throughout this time, Frank's entrepreneurial spirit came to fruition; however, this bought its own personal challenges. In 1991, Frank and Krystyna were divorced, and Frank subsequently married Kathleen (Jaynne), with whom he had a son, Hokan, who he was very close to. Over the next two decades, Frank's business expanded to include three more, very successful restaurants, and Frank moved out to his Cochrane acreage. Here Frank built one of the most remarkable houses in the province. It was an eccentric wonder to behold. Part hoarder of cast iron oddities, part impeccable taste with an eye for design, Frank created a private art gallery/museum as his home. The surrounding land gave Frank the fresh air, the woods, the outdoors and independence that he so enjoyed. Once again, though, tragedy struck: in 2011 he lost his eldest son Miles to cancer. The following year, his house burned to the ground. As tough as Frank had proven himself to be, these hits, combined with chronic lung disease, were too hard for him. Frank Krowicki was loved and cared for when he passed away peacefully on Thursday July 25th. Frank was predeceased by his parents, brother John, and son Miles. Surviving relatives are daughters (Pam and Tamara), sons (Hokan and Jeff), grandchildren (Paris, Kasia, Mateo, Orlando, and Linden), nieces and nephews (Joseph, Mary, Stanley, Henry and Johnny), and numerous friends and relatives in both Canada and Poland. Frank's family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to Melanie Bowen, Alex, Rob, Anne and the homecare nurses who supported Frank's wishes to stay at home, as well as Dr. Mia Grover. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel of EDEN BROOK FUNERAL HOME (17 Avenue South West and Lower Springbank Road) on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. A Graveside Service to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.edenbrookcemetery.ca. Flowers are gratefully declined. Arrangements entrusted to EDEN BROOK FUNERAL HOME AND RECEPTION CENTRE 24223 Township Road 242, Calgary AB, (17th Avenue SW and Lower Springbank Rd).