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
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Monique
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Joanna Hodgson This man was creative, kind, inspiring and uncompromising. So often in my thoughts over the years. Kaz you are missed. Angelica. X
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Michael Ireland (aka Kayda) 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)
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Gosia Krawiec 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.
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Daryl SHUTTLEWORTH As Kaz was wont to say when something was incorrect: “This is shit.” Thank you for being you Kaz!
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Pia Wyatt What a man. What a teacher. So many good laughs and so much learned. I still hear the stick tapping in my mind and his throaty laugh…the twinkle in his mischievous eyes, Kaz was a true beauty to behold. We salute you, dear friend. Thank you for your gifts. May flights of angels..
Piana
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Kristen Ramsden (Eaton) The thump of the riod as it hits the floor to begin warm up. Discipline, knowledge and humour entwine to disperse to the countless students who were fortunate to work with Kazimille. I was one. My condolences to his family and all who loved him. He will remain in my memory and heart.
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Diane Curtis I was a neighbour to Kaz who lived in the same apt.bldg.He wore a black beret when going for walks and he enjoyed the sunshine.I shall miss his smiles.
RIP Kaz!I miss you!
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Robert Garfat So many memories of Kaz… mostly, though, of the joy of creation and the rewards of hard (hard!) work. Go with the angels, my friend and mentor.
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Samantha McGowan (Green) I remember Kaz well,in movement class at UVic, his stick tapping out the rhythm of our routine. Trapeze in the Phoenix Theatre. Such a wonderful teacher, he lives on in my memories. condolences to his family.
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Nicola Schicchi I have many happy memories of coffee with Kaz, both outside of the theatre before he would start warm up and at his place.
May he have peace and carry all the love up with him. My deepest condolences to all his family and friends.
Nicola Schicchi
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Annabelle Turek I remember Kaz very clearly. When he first came to Victoria I was a teenager, living at home. He was a good friend and co-worker of my dad (John Turek) and was in our home mamy times. I saw in him, even at that age, a kind, considerate and very gifted man. I did not realize he had gone on to work at UVIC. What a loss to our community. My condolences to his family and the many friends and colleagues who will miss him.
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Ingrid Blekys Malgosia and Liliane,
Stunned to hear of Kazyk’s passing…as an artist he was so ahead of his time.“May flights of angels sing him to his rest”.
My thoughts and prayers to you!
ib
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Christine Kinghorn Fond memories of Kaz as a colleague from the Theatre Department, University of Victoria. Condolences to all his family.
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!