After a brief illness, and surrounded by love, Kaz died on March 8, 2016. As ever, he was brave, stoic, and determined to do things his way. Born in 1933, he endured a childhood in Nazi occupied Poland witnessing first-hand the complex misery of war; and in 1945, the oppressive force of a Russian invasion – an event which ultimately led to his 1965 defection to the west. In 1951, he won a coveted spot in the Warsaw State Ballet School and so began his life in the arts. Graduating in 1957, he spent four years with the Polish State Circus, touring throughout Europe, Asia, and the former USSR. To his great joy, in 1961 he joined the highly regarded Pantomime Theatre of Henryk Tomaszewski. Arriving in mid-60s to Victoria, he worked by day as a welder and began the systematic, disciplined task of rebuilding his professional life in Canada. He taught for four years at Langara College’s Studio 58 and in 1972, began his 26 year career at UVic teaching the fine art of stage movement to countless Canadian students. A man of tremendous skill, beguiling charm, and great theatricality, he excelled at every task he undertook, never once showing even a flicker of doubt over his ability to achieve a state “true beauty” in all things.
He is survived by his daughter, Davian (Małgosia) Bobrowska; her mother, Liliane Bobrowska; brother, Leon Piesowocki (Marie-Rose) and Erin Bernard.
A celebration for family and close friends will happen this summer.
We are grateful to the staff at RJH Emergency and 4th Floor North Tower for their outstanding, thoughtful care.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
14 Responses
Many memories. Kaz got to the heart of everything in life very quickly. Thank you to Kaz for finding
his brilliant life’s work in the theatre and in movement and sharing it with us all. He was brilliant and truly gifted and passed this on in a fearless and passionate manner. Sad to hear of his passing.. Her’s to you Kaz!
This man was creative, kind, inspiring and uncompromising. So often in my thoughts over the years. Kaz you are missed. Angelica. X
To the family and friends of Kaz, Kaz will be remembered with admiration, affection and gratitude. Thank you for being such a wonderful influence in my life. Kaz, Godspeed! With love always, your own “Escargot”. (Class of ’77)
Our condolences to the family. Kaziu was a customer in our shop and we often had lovely conversations in Polish.
From Gosia Krawiec and The ladies at Fine Floral Designs.