PATRICK WITOLD RAKOWSKI

Condolences & Memories (18 entries)

• I am deeply saddened to hear about Pat. He was a very unique individual and very special to many people, including me. I had the chance, when I first joined CWS, to be trapped in a truck with him for a few hours while on a field trip - banding geese I think. I found out he did his Masters on skunks and he was delighted to discover that I also worked on skunks while I was with the province. I regaled him with my stores of capturing and being sprayed by skunks to often I began to enjoy the smell. From then on he called me Stinky. As a newbie to CWS, I was thrilled to get that recognition! I loved the phone messages he would leave to Stinky and still treasure some emails I kept addressed to Stinky, then proceed to provide me with scientific details. ATIP request clerks might still be scratching their heads. Rest in Peace, Pat, and may you share your space with many beautiful skunks. - Posted by: Pauline Erickson (former colleague) on: Jan 24, 2017

• Dear Rakowski Family. I am so sad to hear of the passing of Pat. I have so many good memories of working with him over so many years. The mention of his name brings them all back. Memories of his travel claims, invoices but mostly his many, many Journal Vouchers that he sent to finance the end of March just before year end. I always told him that its a good thing that he was so nice to us because otherwise he would be out of luck. He always promised to get them in earlier next year. Ha ha.... He truly was a "nice" man. I am just so sad to hear that he left so early. RIP Pat. - Posted by: Ruth Pipke (Co-Worker) on: Jan 23, 2017

• Dear Fred, Nicole, Lydia, Lala and the whole clan. Saddened to hear of Pat's passing. Keeping you in our prayers at this time. Much love and hugs, Jo-Ann - Posted by: Jo-AnnRick Finney (Cousin) on: Jan 17, 2017

• My thoughts and condolences go out to the family. RIP dear friend. - Posted by: Kerry Kist (Twin Beach neighbor and friend) on: Jan 16, 2017

• I have many fond memories of laughter with Pat in the field over talking ducks and hunting. My thoughts and prayers to the family. He will be missed. - Posted by: kim eskowich (friend) on: Jan 16, 2017

• It is with great sorrow that I learn of Pat's passing. I and Lil offer our heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences to the Rakowski family during this time of great need. I have several memories of Pat and I looking at marshes together as part of our activities in the Habitat program. I only hope that all the great and wonderful memories you have of your time with Pat help ease the pain you presently feel. - Posted by: Arni Goodman (Former colleague) on: Jan 16, 2017

• My deepest sympathy to Ciocia Lidzia Lala Fred, their families, his companion Peggy, his children and grandchildren. I am so sorry for your loss. I always admired Patrick for his love and passion for wildlife. He was a kind man. Every memory I have of him is wonderful and will never be forgotten. I love you Patrick. Thinking of you guys and love you. Aga - Posted by: Aga patacz (Cousin) on: Jan 15, 2017

• To Peggy and Rakowski family. My condolences to you. Pat was a wonderful and giving man, always willing to assist others in many different ways. I knew Pat for several decades through my wildlife career. The last time I saw Pat was at the Arctic Goose conference in Winnipeg about 2 years ago. Pat volunteered to bartend and also provide a feast in the hospitality room of many of his home-made smoked fish and sausages. His friendly nature was appreciated by the many attendees and it provided me a chance to catch up with him. He will be missed by many. - Posted by: David Duncan (Friend, Co-worker) on: Jan 15, 2017

• So sorry to hear of Pat's passing. My condolences to his family. My memories of Pat will always be his big smile and good nature. RIP! - Posted by: Kathy Brooks (Friend from Twin Beaches) on: Jan 15, 2017

• We are very saddened to read of the loss of our friend Pat. We have many great memories of times at Twin Lakes Beach over the past 60 years. - Posted by: Rilla and Lorne Britton (Friend) on: Jan 15, 2017

• My heartfelt condolences to Pat's entire family and dearest friends. Pat's enormous smile and happy disposition will always be remembered with gratitude and fondness. Pat played a very big role in my life even though our meetings were few and far between. He interviewed me over the phone from Montreal and hired me for a position back in 1983. Pat was responsible for our move to Winnipeg and he would not let me or my husband forget that it was due to him!!! I will always be grateful to him for the opportunity that changed the course of our lives and making us feel like we are now home! He was a good soul. - Posted by: Patrice Lyng (Friend) on: Jan 14, 2017

• Dear Rakowski family and friends. It is with great sadness that I send my sincere condolences to you at Pat's passing. A man who lived his life just the way he wanted. He was a great story teller and I always enjoyed our conversations at our staff meetings at Palisades and Goldeye. Pat was a great friend to many and was always there to offer a helping hand when needed. You will be greatly missed Paddy. Safe journey my friend. Happy hunting. Chris Scott - Posted by: Christine Scott (Ex CWS Co worker and friend.) on: Jan 14, 2017

• My deepest sympathies to Lydia, Freddie, Lala and all my extended family. Pat was a wonderful cousin and I will miss him dearly. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Lucy Farrow (Cousin) on: Jan 14, 2017

• Our Heartfelt Condolences to the Entire Rakowski Family. Jeff + Cristine Douglas - Posted by: Jeff Douglas (Lake Neighbour + former student of Pat's Mother) on: Jan 14, 2017

• If anyone lived a great life, it was Pat; it made him - one of the - Most Interesting Men in The World. Whether it was swapping politics, and a 'schnupps' around the ice fishing hole; advising one on bird foundlings or avian emergencies; talking wood-shop or tanning caribou hides; sharing research and travel slide-shows (Baffin Is.); extending his table to include someone else....His character, generosity and vivaciousness were his nature - something we all strive for. He will be truly missed by those who remain. I am truly saddened by his passing. You've earned your very own winged migration - soar my friend! Heartfelt sympathies go out to Peg and family. Kim Pohl (Grubert Klan of Twin Beaches) - Posted by: Kimberly Pohl (Friends of Twin et al) on: Jan 14, 2017

• My deepest condolences and sympathy to his Mom, Lidia, and his brother Fred, sister Lala and their families as well as Peggy and his children and grandchildren. I've known Patrick since our childhoods in France and through sporadic but heartfelt communications throughout our university days. Patrick was a genuine friend and gentleman. I am so grateful I was able to spend some lovely time with him and Peggy this past September. I will miss him and pray for him. RIP dear Patrick! - Posted by: Christine Polic (Cousin) on: Jan 14, 2017

• My deepest condolences and sympathy to his Mom Lidia, and his brother Fred ,sister Lala and their families as well as Peggy and his children and grandchildren. I've known Patrick since our childhoods in France and through sporadic but heartfelt communications throughout our university days. Patrick was a genuine friend and gentleman. I am so grateful I was able to spend some lovely time with him and Peggy this past September. I will miss him and pray for him. RIP dear Patrick! - Posted by: Christine Polic (Cousin) on: Jan 14, 2017

• Dear Rakowski Family, There are no words when you lose a brother, a son, a father, a grandfather and a friend. So many family Christmas's we shared when we were so young will not be forgotten. Our thoughts are with all the family through this difficult time. Big hugs to everyone. From Christine and Tim - Posted by: Christine (Chruszcz) and Tim Gracel (Long time family friend) on: Jan 14, 2017