The Passing Of Walter Tabaczynski
Many people come and go in our lives. We attach ourselves to people at various stages in our lives, and sometimes we are lucky enough to find people so generous and loving that it impacts our lives. In that respect, I have been a very fortunate person.
Some many years ago I made friends with Ron Tabaczynski. We met at college and found ourselves to be kindred spirits in many ways. Ron is a good friend and I consider myself lucky to have his firendship. As our friendship developed, I attended many gatherings with Ron's family. I even had my eye on one of his sisters once upon a time. However, the most striking aspect of our friendship is being a part of the Tabaczynski extended family. Ron's parents are among the most loving, most generous people I have ever met. From the first visit I ever made to their home I was accepted as a part of their lives. I have always been welcomed in their home, and I have taken great joy in seeing the family grow over the years, even though I have often been distant and not present at many of the family functions.
On Easter Sunday, Walter Tabaczynksi, Ron's father, passed away at the age of 83. "Uncle Wally," as he was known to everyone on his neighborhood block, was a good man. In my experience, he always had a smile and a kind word. Even in moments when he was aggravated by the circumstances, he seemed to roll with the punches a lot better than most. "Mr. T," as I affectionately referred to him, was a hard-working stiff for most of his life. He went to work, suffered setbacks and layoffs, struggled with the bills, and raised four children by taking double shifts and shifting priorities to make sure the family stayed together. He was also a decorated veteran, having served and been wounded in the line of duty. He was a member of "the greatest generation," to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude.
As his surname indicates, he was a Polish immigrant to the United States. His family has deep roots in that Polish heritage. Tabaczynski family gatherings are often celebrated with ample servings of pierogi, kielbasa and other Polish traditions. Year after year, the Tabaczynski home would be filled with Christmas cheer because Mr. T would have the chore of putting up all of the Christmas decorations that Mrs. T, his wife of many years, would insist on having. The family joke is that her decorations alone made NIPSCO, the local electric company, profitable during the month of December. But Mr. T would grumble a bit and still make sure that all the lights and decor were up.
Sometimes, I had the opportunity to speak with him when no one else was around. He was proud of his family and did not see a need to let life wrap him up in knots. Because I was Ron's friend, we would talk about Ron more than other family members. He would laugh at the political activities that Ron engaged in, but still express the pride he had in his son for taking a responsible step for improving the world. He was also a deeply religious man, making a concerted effort to attend mass on a regular basis, and followed the teachings of Jesus in a way that spoke louder than 20 evengelical preachers. His love for others and kindness spoke louder than his words.
Walter Tabaczynski was not a complicated man. He did not go to college, nor did he strive for high office or public recognition. His life was, by the standards of many, simple. But in my eyes, his life was more meaningful and has had a greater impact than most people that get media attention, recognition and accolades. He has left a lasting legacy in each of his children and grandchildren, and in the hearts of those that loved him as a friend.
I pray that God welcomes Mr. T. personally at the gates of heaven, sends angels of mercy and comfort to help his family deal with the void his passing has caused, and that the love for God that Mr. T. held in his heart will continue to be felt through his family and friends.
Walter Tabaczynski will be missed.
Some many years ago I made friends with Ron Tabaczynski. We met at college and found ourselves to be kindred spirits in many ways. Ron is a good friend and I consider myself lucky to have his firendship. As our friendship developed, I attended many gatherings with Ron's family. I even had my eye on one of his sisters once upon a time. However, the most striking aspect of our friendship is being a part of the Tabaczynski extended family. Ron's parents are among the most loving, most generous people I have ever met. From the first visit I ever made to their home I was accepted as a part of their lives. I have always been welcomed in their home, and I have taken great joy in seeing the family grow over the years, even though I have often been distant and not present at many of the family functions.
On Easter Sunday, Walter Tabaczynksi, Ron's father, passed away at the age of 83. "Uncle Wally," as he was known to everyone on his neighborhood block, was a good man. In my experience, he always had a smile and a kind word. Even in moments when he was aggravated by the circumstances, he seemed to roll with the punches a lot better than most. "Mr. T," as I affectionately referred to him, was a hard-working stiff for most of his life. He went to work, suffered setbacks and layoffs, struggled with the bills, and raised four children by taking double shifts and shifting priorities to make sure the family stayed together. He was also a decorated veteran, having served and been wounded in the line of duty. He was a member of "the greatest generation," to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude.
As his surname indicates, he was a Polish immigrant to the United States. His family has deep roots in that Polish heritage. Tabaczynski family gatherings are often celebrated with ample servings of pierogi, kielbasa and other Polish traditions. Year after year, the Tabaczynski home would be filled with Christmas cheer because Mr. T would have the chore of putting up all of the Christmas decorations that Mrs. T, his wife of many years, would insist on having. The family joke is that her decorations alone made NIPSCO, the local electric company, profitable during the month of December. But Mr. T would grumble a bit and still make sure that all the lights and decor were up.
Sometimes, I had the opportunity to speak with him when no one else was around. He was proud of his family and did not see a need to let life wrap him up in knots. Because I was Ron's friend, we would talk about Ron more than other family members. He would laugh at the political activities that Ron engaged in, but still express the pride he had in his son for taking a responsible step for improving the world. He was also a deeply religious man, making a concerted effort to attend mass on a regular basis, and followed the teachings of Jesus in a way that spoke louder than 20 evengelical preachers. His love for others and kindness spoke louder than his words.
Walter Tabaczynski was not a complicated man. He did not go to college, nor did he strive for high office or public recognition. His life was, by the standards of many, simple. But in my eyes, his life was more meaningful and has had a greater impact than most people that get media attention, recognition and accolades. He has left a lasting legacy in each of his children and grandchildren, and in the hearts of those that loved him as a friend.
I pray that God welcomes Mr. T. personally at the gates of heaven, sends angels of mercy and comfort to help his family deal with the void his passing has caused, and that the love for God that Mr. T. held in his heart will continue to be felt through his family and friends.
Walter Tabaczynski will be missed.
posted by Jim Downey at 7:18 AM
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