Obituary of Chester Boleslaw Kowalik

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Chester Kowalik, age 90 of Vineland Station Ontario on August 30, 2023.

Husband/Father/Grandfather/Builder/Farmer/Entrepreneur/Mentor

Born in 1932 in Ansonville, Ontario to Walter and Mary Kowalik, the family moved to Toronto where he attended Western Polytechnical High School and earned his draughtsman credentials. He worked for the Ministry of Transportation, where he drafted the portion of the 401 highway between Toronto and London.

He soon turned to building as a profession and founded Kowalik Construction with his brother Edward and built many residential buildings as well as apartment buildings in the Brampton/Mississauga/Port Credit areas.

He married Phyllis (Babicz) , the love of his life who he met at a Polka dance in Brantford, and they started a life together in Cooksville.

While in construction, Chester would enjoy visiting and helping out on his father’s farm in Beamsville on the weekends. He fell in love with farming and in his 30’s decided to embark on a new career. He started his family with Phyllis and raised their children Laura, Carolyn and Len. Chester was a devoted husband and father and was the epitome of a family man. He and Phyllis valued the time spent with their children and many, many friends.

He spent many years volunteering his talent and time for the Polish community and was instrumental in building Place Polonaise in Grimsby as well as serving many years as president of the Grimsby chapter of the Polish Canadian Society.

He was as talented at farming as he was at building, but the builder in him never left. He built the retail store Peach Country Farm Market and eventually Peach Country Wedding Venue which are both successful.

Chester made a memorable impression on everyone he encountered and was always enthusiastic to share his talent and knowledge with others.

Always optimistic he welcomed challenges and overcame them. His favorite saying was “Don’t tell me it can’t be done. How can we do it?”

He was an exceptional man who lived an exceptional life. We are grateful for the time that we spent with him.

Chester is survived by his wife Phyllis, daughters Laura (Stan Wegrzyn) and Carolyn (Mike Turczyniak) and son Len (Cheryl) and their  grandchildren Krystyna (Hayden), Jessica (Erick), Ryan (Caitlin), Mark, Nicole, Brendan, Ethan and Trevor. Chester is also survived by his brother Ray (Liz), his sister- in- law Jenny as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Walter and Mary Kowalik and his Brother Edward.

Visitation will take place on Monday September 04 from 2-4 pm (Vigil at 4 pm) and 6-8pm at Tallman Funeral Home, Vineland Chapel, 3277 King Street, Vineland Ontario.

Funeral mass will take place on Tuesday September 05 at 11:00 am at St. Helen’s Church, 4106 Mountain Street, Beamsville, Ontario.