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Obituary for Roman Gadzala

Roman  Gadzala
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Roman Gadzala announces his passing on Saturday, May 8, 2021, a few weeks after his 62nd birthday. Roman passed peacefully holding the hand of his beloved wife of 35 years, Céline Gadzala (née Pomerleau). He was the proud and loving father of Kenneth (Kate) of Ft. McMurray, AB; Krysteena of France; David of Haileybury, ON; and Emily of Prince George, BC. He was the proud Dziadzia to Noelle and Olivia. Dear brother of Irene (Ab) Longo and Mary (John) McCabe. Roman will be missed by his many nieces (Liane, Andrea, Shauna and their families), nephews (Ken, Mark, Ryan and their families), in-laws (Francine [Julien], Alain [Nancy], Danielle [Bryan] and their families) and many great friends. He now joins his parents, Kazimierz and Janina, in eternal peace, where he is probably already working on their garden and having a “Polish shot”. He is also reuniting with Wujko, his uncle, and the Panis, with whom he shared many memories.

Roman was born on April 15, 1959 in Kirkland Lake, ON. Growing up, he inherited from his father a great passion for the outdoors. He loved going out fishing and hunting, a love that was passed along to his children. Roman was always happy to have a fishing partner, which he often found in family and friends.

Roman always enjoyed spending time outdoors and planted a large garden every year. He loved spicy foods and good tomatoes and always tried to find hotter peppers or new and interesting varieties of tomatoes. He exchanged and collected all kinds of seeds with many friends.

Roman studied at Brock University before he went on to become a geologist. He worked for Hemlo Gold, Battle Mountain Gold, Falconbridge, and Noranda Inc., amongst other mining exploration companies around Canada. He had the pleasure of meeting likeminded drillers, prospectors, geologist, miners and who shared his passion for rocks and gems.

In 2000, Roman went back to university to become a teacher and began his second career with the Northeastern Catholic District School Board in 2002. He spent 2 years at O’Gorman Intermediate before moving up to O’Gorman High School. He forged many deep friendships, shared many laughs with the teachers, students, custodial, support and administration staff. Throughout the years, he taught many students and got involved in many different school activities. He created the Chess Club, directed OSO, created Penny Wars, and helped out wherever needed, be it on sports trips, field trips, school dances or plays. The Knights of the Round table in particular held a special place in his heart.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Roman’s doctors, Dr. Mocanu and Dr. Pearce, PSWs (Melanie, Brittany, Pam), and the North East Local Health Integration Network (Nancy, Mindy, Christine, Kari). Roman’s amazing nurses Liz Feldman and Marnie Chisolm were unwavering in their support and care. Liz and Marnie shared many laughs with Roman and the family and heard many of his stories. They saw him and the family through these difficult times and, as a result, have become family themselves.

His life revolved around his loving family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues, with whom he had many deep and meaningful relationships. Of all his life accomplishments, Roman was incredibly proud to be married to his best friend and love of his life, Céline, for 35 years, of his four accomplished children and his two lively and cherished granddaughters. Roman lives on through the quirks he has passed along to his children, the seeds he exchanged, the stories that he told and the stories that will continue to be told about him.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private funeral service will be held. The family looks forward to properly celebrating Roman’s life when it is safe to do so. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate giving back to two groups that helped Roman: the Daffodil Lodge or the TDH Foundation – Oncology Dept. The funeral arrangements have been entrusted with the MIRON-WILSON FUNERAL HOME, Cremation and Reception Centre, 150 Balsam St. S., Timmins.
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