Obituary for
Henry Romanowski
The family announces with sorrow his death at the Timmins and District Hospital on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at the age of 71 years.
Henry, a lifelong Schumacher Boy, was the youngest son of the late Edward and late Valentina Romanowski. His parents made Schumacher home after being displaced from Poland during World War II. Henry was born in Canada and led an idyllic Schumacher childhood alongside his siblings Irene (Gerry) Landers, Sue (late Ray) Cudmore, and the late George (Brenda) Romanowski. Henry attended Schumacher Public School and Schumacher High School before graduating from Roland Michener Secondary School (with a provincial football championship under his belt). A talented hockey player, Henry spent his younger years as a rink rat at The Mac, delivered some hard hits as a defenseman with the Schumacher Bears juvenile team, and even attended an NHL prospects camp back in the days of the Original Six.
Henry quickly decided pro hockey was not for him and returned home to Schumacher and the love of his life, Vera Pupich. After dating for seven years, they finally married in 1974 (though, as the story goes, they first met as toddlers on the picket line during a McIntyre Mine strike). Henry and Vera were truly best friends and soulmates; they loved to bicker and argue, but their love stood the test of time. Henry built Vera their “castle on a Schumacher hill” with the help of his late father-in-law (Bob Pupich) in 1984. Henry’s home was his pride and joy; he loved nothing better than entertaining his family, especially in the summertime by the backyard pool.
Until his final moments, Henry remained devoted to his two daughters (Lisa Romanowski and Jennifer Dunkley), his three grandsons (Benjamin, Jacob, and Joseph Dunkley), his son-in-law Rene and the family dog Murphy. Amongst so many other things, he was our chauffeur, our handyman, our sounding board, our barbecue chef and our chocolate cake baker. He was so proud of everyone’s accomplishments, but also willing to set us on the straight and narrow when needed. He loved the Toronto Maple Leafs, WWE wrestling, a good crime novel, and the occasional Barcardi white rum and Pepsi. We affectionately called him Grumpy Grampa – a nod to both his love of Disney World and to his heart of gold hidden beneath a sometimes gruff exterior. Henry’s devotion extended to Vera’s family (his late mother-in-law Danica Pupich, and siblings-in-law Diane (late Fred) Dwyer, Ed & Karen Pupich, Marilyn & Clayton McAlpine, and Robin & Dave St. Aubin) as well as to his nieces and nephews.
Henry completed an electrical apprenticeship and worked his entire career as an industrial maintenance electrician at Texas Gulf / Kidd Creek / Falconbridge / Xstrata. He was hired to help build the Refinery in 1972 and he stuck around to decommission it before retiring in 2010. His workmates were like his second family. Henry’s ability to befriend anyone and his willingness to help anyone in need made him the guy that friends and neighbours came to see when they needed to borrow a tool or assistance with a home repair project. He will be missed by many.
Henry fought some significant health challenges courageously and unwaveringly for the past two years. He died peacefully, albeit somewhat unexpectedly, surrounded by love at Timmins and District Hospital. He loved us and we won’t forget it; we loved him, and we don’t regret it.
Remembrance donations to the Timmins and District Hospital Foundation or the Timmins Food Bank would be gratefully appreciated.
A scheduled visitation and service will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at the Miron-Wilson Funeral Home. Due to the Covid-19 regulations, any person wishing to attend the visitation and/or the funeral service MUST call the funeral home (705-264-4444) between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to schedule an appointment. (mask wearing and social distancing will be required along with the maximum number of attendees allowed in the visitation parlour).
The funeral arrangements are entrusted with the MIRON-WILSON FUNERAL HOME, Cremation and Reception Centre, 150 Balsam St. S., Timmins. To order flowers online, make online donations or condolences, please visit www.mironwilson.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Henry
Romanowski 1950 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Timmins, Province: Ontario