It is with great sadness that the family of Henry Richard Jackowski announce his passing at St. Joseph’s Hospice on May 31, 2026, at the age of 68.
Henry was born in Thunder Bay on Jan 21,1958 to Wladyslaw (Walter) and Eugenia (Wojtowicz) Jackowski. Henry attended St. James Public School and Lakeview High School. After completing Grade 13, he attended one year at LU in the Engineering program and then decided to move to Toronto. He attended George Brown College, graduating with a Construction Management Diploma and General Drafting Diploma. He was also on the GBC basketball team. Henry said the coach saw a 6’4” skinny boy running down the stairs and recruited him on the spot. Henry remained good friends with his former coach Val Pozzan and teammate Nathan Blackburn after all these years. Henry loved living in the big city but after graduating he moved back to Thunder Bay to help his aging parents. While looking for a job, his friend Brad told him that he saw drafting tables in the office building he worked in. Not long after that Henry started working as a draftsman at Valmet. He thought he would work a couple of years and move on but ended up dedicating 41 years at Valmet, retiring as a Project Manager in 2023. Henry was a devoted husband, proud father, a good friend and a hard worker. Henry was always willing to help anyone or offer advice. He was a very patient man and did everything for his family; always putting his needs last. Since retiring, his favorite pastimes were spending time with his dog Oliver and his grand puppy (Oliver’s sister) Ember, working on his mustang, yard work and going for coffee with Brad. Henry’s interests include the love of vintage cars, photography, music, sports, old movies, and old game shows. Henry was a strong athlete in many sports but loved basketball the most. He was thrilled when his two sons also loved the sport. Henry coached them while they were in the Blaze basketball program and helped coach while they were in high school. His favourite basketball commentator was Jack Armstrong. He especially loved it when Jack would say “get that garbage outta here.”
Survived and loved by his wife of 36 years Karen, sons Mitchell (Monika) and Jordan. He will be missed and fondly remembered by his siblings, Barbara Jackowski and Joe (Catherine) Jackowski, mother-in-law Janet Wolanicki, sisters-in-law Diane Adams (Phil Thompson), Sandy (Curtis) Berg, brother-in-law Allan (Susan) Wolanicki, nieces and nephews Dianne Bryant, Janet Jackowski, Bob (Shellie) Jackowski, Michael (Melissa) Jackowski, David (Robyn) Jackowski, Darren Shrumm, Danielle Shrumm (Jeremy), Jennifer (Steve) Molodowich, Jaymeson Adams, Zachary Adams (Shawna), Alana (Scott) Asselin, Allison (Sean) Forster, many great nieces and nephews, goods friends Phil Thompson, Teresa and John Flis, Jim Adams and long time best friend Brad Potter.
Predeceased by both his parents Walter and Eugenia, brother Ted, and father-in-law Frank Wolanicki.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to all the doctors, nurses and caregivers involved in Henry’s care at the Thunder Bay Regional Cancer Centre, Thunder Bay Regional Hospital and especially at St. Joseph’s Hospice where he spent the last 12 weeks of his life. We are so grateful for the compassion and exceptional care Henry received throughout his illness.
Henry was a private, humble man who was most comfortable in small gatherings. Cremation has taken place. A private Inurnment will be held at St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery, with a small family gathering to follow.
If so desired, donations to the Thunder Bay Humane Society would be appreciated to honour Henry’s love for animals.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
