It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Ab Glowicki. Throughout his 90 vibrant years of life, Ab was the embodiment of courage, generosity, humour, sportsmanship, and positivity.

Born on June 10th, 1932, Ab was the firstborn child to Polish immigrants Pauline and William Glowicki. Ab grew up in Winnipeg’s North End alongside his parents and two younger brothers, Lawrence, and Glen.

Ab was a gifted athlete and excelled at all sports he played, but none more than basketball. In the early 1950’s he led the Winnipeg Stellars to two straight national championships, paving the way for his induction into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame.

At 18 years old, Ab met his true love, Joan, with whom he shared over 72 years of life and 69 years of marriage. Ab’s proudest accomplishment was the family that he and his wife Joan created. Ab treasured the regular time he spent with his wife, five children and children-in-law: Douglas (Dragana), Barbara (Gord), Grant (April), Jill (Dean) and David (Heather), 19 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren!

At age 30, Ab opened his first ladies wear store in Grand Prairie, Alberta. Through much hard work, determination, and sacrifice the business grew into one of the largest, most successful retail clothing chains in Canada. Ab, a passionate and respected businessman, often said “I love every day I work.” In 1979, he retired from retail and moved to Victoria where he focused on real estate investment and enjoying life.

In Ab’s early retirement he formed a love of tennis which he played at a high level, well into his 80s. He gave nearly 20 years of volunteer work to the game, starting with junior tennis in Victoria. He went on to become president of Tennis BC. His talents and charismatic personality were undeniable and as such, he was recruited to be a director of Tennis Canada. Ab and Joan enjoyed winters in Palm Desert where they were active members at Deep Canyon Tennis Club. In addition to his passion for sports, Ab expressed his creativity through painting landscapes and flowers, storytelling, and telling jokes.

Ab loved life like no other. He showed up in the world with his sparkly blue eyes always ready to give 100%. He lived with no regrets, listened to his heart, was a loyal friend to many, and lived by old school principles of “be a gentleman, be thoughtful, and be kind.” Ab’s wife, family, and friends will carry on his legacy by living their lives to the fullest – and he would encourage you to do the same. We are eternally grateful to him for giving us his whole heart; his love, laughter, and stories are with us forever.

A special thank you to all the incredible health care workers at the Royal Jubilee Hospital (Dr. Maskey and colleagues) for two weeks of excellent care, Oak Bay Community Nursing, the Palliative Response Team, SureWork Home Care Solutions, and Ab’s GP, Dr. J. Aiken. Ab had a peaceful passing at his home overlooking the ocean surrounded by the unwavering love of his entire family.

Upon Ab’s request, there will be a private family celebration of life.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

 

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

  • Eileen Baryluk

    Dear Joan;
    Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your dear husband Ab. Though I know he was a great family man, please convey my condolences to his children. He was such a dear friend to Mitch and all the other fellas on the basketball team. I looked forward to our trips to Winnipeg and Victoria to enjoy the comradeship and listen to the stories they all so enjoyed. Thanks too for his contribution to tennis. The country has lost a special human being!&

  • John Hammond

    On behalf of our late parents, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Joan and the rest of the family. Ab was a true gentleman and a class act.

    John, Richard and Michael Hammond

  • Constance Dorothy Tooby

    The Tooby Family
    Thinking of you with sympathy from all of us

  • Rick Brownlee MB Sports Hall of Fame

    So sorry to hear of Ab’s passing. he and his Stellar teammates were a special group of men with a life-long bond. Proud to have him as a member of the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. Our sincere condolences.

  • The Schmidt's

    Grant, April and Family…
    We were sorry to learn of the loss of your father/grandfather. He seemed like a wonderful man. Thinking of you,

  • Gerry Land and family

    Dear Joan – sending you our condolences on the loss of Ab. I’m sure your happy memories of him will help in this very difficult time.

  • Fraser Brinsmead

    Somehow it really doesn’t seem possible that the great Ab Glowicki has passed away. The last time I saw him, he could still command a room!
    It was such an honour to have known him and to have heard only some of his many stories. I’ll remember memorable visits to the beautiful homes that he shared with Joan in Victoria and Palm Desert and I’ll also remember getting the chance to play some tennis with him. He had great hands, great moves, the best trash talk and even occasionally a little needed advise!
    Even though I was always just a tag along, Ab would always include me and make me feel a part of whatever was going on. I appreciate Doug, that you invited me to get your father over the years. Candace and are truly sorry for the loss your whole family is feeling at this time.
    Love Fraser and Candace

  • Simone Narasa

    My sincere condolences Mrs.Glowicki, Jill, David and all the extended family.

    I remember your dad as such a strong, vibrant man. The time and relationship he had with my parents was truly special. He will be greatly missed.

  • Gary and Pat Kehl

    Dear Joan,
    We were so sorry to read about Ab’s Passing. I spent many competitive hours on the tennis courts with him. We will miss seeing the two of you walking briskly to Oak Bay village. We offer our condolences at this very sad time.
    Sincerely,
    Pat and Gary Kehl

  • Will Boothman

    Dear Dave and Family – Our sincerest condolences on the passing of your Dad. He was a kind gentleman who’s love for his family was evident and rooted by a wonderful marriage which made a lasting impression upon me in my youth.

    Truly a wonderful life well lived. He will be missed.

    Will (Billy) and Jenny Boothman

  • The Weir Family

    Ab and Joan were neighbours and good friends while they lived in Edmonton. Our condolences to Joan and family.

  • Colette Macleod

    My condolences to the Glowicki family.

  • Roland Stillings

    To all Ab’s Family. My condolences. He was quite the guy. I still remember how he had me to his home for lunch the first time I met him while selling him my ladies wear line. Very proud of his family and happy to tell me his story. Glad he had a wonderful life.

  • Keith Kachuk

    Dear Joan , Doug , Barb , Grant , Jill , and David , my deepest condolences on the passing of your husband and Dad , he was a very special gifted man with so many great memories I’m sure for all of you . Again my deepest sympathies to you all .
    Keith Kachuk

  • Scott & Deborah Smith

    Our deepest & sincerest sympathies to the entire Glowicki family! With great love, comes great loss!❤️ What an amazing legacy… all that knew & loved him were truly blessed!

  • Claire Breslaw and Paul Granovsky

    Dear Joan and family,
    We were devastated to hear of Albert’s passing.
    The good memories of Stellars will always be present.
    Please accept our deepest condolences .

Leave Condolence

Type your condolence message into the box below and click "Submit". It may take up to 24 hours for it to appear. Your email address will not be published.

*

Search Website

ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR