"We will keep alive the memory of our deceased and not fail to pray for them…" (C.43)

Having been strengthened by the Anointing of the Sick, Viaticum, and the Apostolic Pardon, Fr. Casimir Joseph Krystkowiak OMI died peacefully in the late evening of March 4th, 2025.  March 4th was his patronal feast day, the memorial of St. Casimir of Poland.  Fr. Casimir was in his 91st year of life, his 72nd year of religious consecration, and his 67th year of priesthood. 

Fr. Casimir was born on January 6th, 1934, at Marles-les-Mines in France, the fourth son of Stanislaw and Joanna Handkiewicz.  After completing elementary school at Auchel and Marles-les-Mines, Fr. Casimir enter the Oblate school of St. Casimir in Bethune.  His vocation also took him to the novitiate at Korbeek-Lo in Belgium (September 1952), which was part of the Polish Oblate Province in France and Benelux. 

On September 27th, 1953, he left for Canada and began studies at St. Charles Scholasticate in Battleford, Saskatchewan.  On September 28, 1958, he was ordained by Bishop John Bokenfohr OMI of the Kimberley Diocese, South Africa. 

After a year of studies in Ottawa, Fr. Casimir began working at Sts. Peter and Paul parish in Welland, Ontario. Later, he worked at St. Casimir’s parish in Toronto, Ontario, Holy Rosary parish in Edmonton, Alberta, (1963) and at Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish in St. Catharines, Ontario (1968). That same year, he became pastor of St. Mary’s parish in Fosston and Archerwill, Saskatchewan.  He also served as administrator of St. Helen’s parish in Kuroki, Saskatchewan. 

In 1977, Fr. Casimir was called to work as pastor in Melville, Saskatchewan, and some time afterwards he was appointed to the staff at Queen of Apostles Renewal Center in Mississauga, Ontario, where he helped to lead formation programs.  Later, he worked at St. Stanislaus Kostka parish and then as pastor of St. Mary’s parish in Toronto, Ontario. Subsequently, he was appointed as director of Queen of Apostles Renewal Center.  He then worked as administrator of St. Casimir’s parish in Vancouver, British Columbia, and as a resident at St. Maximilian Kolbe parish in Mississauga, Ontario.  He then became pastor of St. Patrick’s parish in Sturgis, Rockford, and St. Philip’s parish in Kamsack, Saskatchewan.  Afterwards, he was in residence at St. Henry’s parish in Melville, Saskatchewan, and at St. Eugene de Mazenod parish in Brampton, Ontario.  Fr. Casimir retired in November of 2010, residing at first in St. Henry’s parish in Melville, then Villa Polonia residence in Brampton, and finally, at Copernicus Lodge in Toronto.  Fr. Casimir bore his many health problems patiently, drawing upon the example of Jesus Christ, the Crucified Saviour. 

Fr. Casimir’s pastoral zeal, native-speaker knowledge of at least three languages (Polish, French, and English), and affinity for community life will be an example to Oblates and the lay people which he touched in so many ways. 

Fr. Casimir is predeceased by his parents, Stanislaw and Joanna, his three brothers, Marek, Henryk, and Tadeusz, and his sister Zofia.  His youngest sister, Elzbieta, lives in France. 

Eternal rest grant to him oh Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. Amen.