It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gerald Koski, President of Polonia Centre (Windsor) Inc. for the past 20 years. His funeral was held on June 24, 2023 at Holy Trinity Church.
Following is the tribute presented by Halina Roznawski, Vice President, Polonia Centre (Windsor) Inc. during visitation at Windsor Chapel.
My name is Halina Roznawski and tonight I represent the Board of Directors of Polonia Centre (Windsor) Inc.
We would like to convey our deepest condolences, to you Carole, and your whole family, and to thank you for allowing me to pay tribute to Gerry, our fellow Board member and President. Our hearts are with you during this difficult time. We, too, feel the loss although in a very different way.
Gerry was a member of the Board of Directors of Polonia Centre Windsor since 1998. For the past 20 years, he served as President, and I as the Vice-President. Although we didn’t know each other prior to joining the Board, we quickly developed a professional relationship, as Gerry was very easy to get to know. Gerry was introduced to Polonia Centre by a Polish friend and joined the Board looking to serve the Polish community and honour his father’s heritage.
Polonia Centre Windsor is a Non-Profit Charitable Corporation committed to the support of activities promoting Polish culture and tradition within our Canadian society.
Unlike most of us on the Board, Gerry had no ties to any other Polish organization in Windsor, therefore, he was neutral. His mannerism was easygoing and straight forward and he had a calming effect on all of us.
During discussion on the many matters before us in the past 20 years, Gerry kept us grounded and focused on serving the best interest of the Polish community. When debates lingered longer than necessary, Gerry would call an intermission. We would then resume our discussion and promptly settle the matter before us.
Gerry’s legal expertise was beneficial to the Board as we looked to meet the mandate of our organization and to grow our wholly owned- subsidiary, Global Maintenance Co, and through the various obstacles experienced over the course of the years.
Polonia Centre (Windsor) Inc. annually awards scholarships to graduating students of Polish descent. A ceremony is held every October where we hand out the scholarships and donations to various organizations.
I’ve MC’d the event for the past 20 years and Gerry always had the honour of giving the closing remarks. He expressed his pride in the scholarship recipients’ accomplishments and their goals. He was proud in the success of our organization and our support of the Polish community. And he always did so with genuine pride in his voice. How do I know that? Because at that moment of his closing remarks, he would always get choked up! That’s how passionate Gerry was!
In May 2022, Polish communities across Ontario celebrated the first Polish Heritage Month in Ontario. A committee was formed within the Polish community of Windsor and Gerry and Carol attended many of the events in Windsor, as representatives of Polonia Centre. I know he was proud to do so, regardless that he did not speak Polish.
Gerry was the longest serving President of our organization (as I previously stated – 20 years) and was well respected by the whole Board. We thank him for his friendship, professionalism and devotion to the mandate of our organization. We will do our best to continue our work without his guidance and leadership.
As our organization approaches it’s 50th anniversary, we will have to do so without Gerry at the helm and THAT is our great loss.
Rest in peace, Gerry.
