Eugene John Pokoj

The family of Eugene John Pokoj are saddened to announce the passing of Eugene on January the 8th, 2025, at Queensway Carleton Hospital.

Eugene was born on April 25th, 1932, in Brantford Ontario to John and Sophia Pokoj.

During his teen years he showed his commitment to help his family by doing many small jobs like delivering newspapers, groceries, gas station attendant and home deliveries of blocks of ice.

Later in life, he worked in the building and carpentry profession until, after being inspired, he joined the RCMP in 1952. He was stationed in Winnipeg, Montreal, Timmins and eventually Ottawa.

On May 17th, 1958, he married the love of his life, his life-long companion Lydia Anna Kryzanoski. 

They were blessed with two children, Janet Marie and Gerald Matthew. 

While in Timmins, they made a Cursillo, (Short course in Christianity) in 1968 in Boston Mass. USA. They became involved in the Cursillo movement both in Timmins and then in Ottawa. In the past few years, he continued to meet regularly with his Cursillo friends, as well as his former working-group friends, who supported him during his life, and will miss him dearly.

His passion for building continued to inspire him and led him to upgrade the cottage and homes where he lived.  

He joined the Knights of Columbus in Winnipeg and was actively involved in Timmins and Ottawa since 1957. 

Eugene had a successful career with the RCMP and CSIS. He retired in May of 1987 and many of his co-workers were sorry to lose his wisdom and qualities of fairness.

Though busy with work, Gene reached out to community as well. He was one of the first volunteer drivers for Harmer House. He also volunteered driving physically challenged folks to meetings and social functions. After retirement, he and Lydia volunteered at The Mission, serving breakfast once a week. He also delivered food for Famsac, supported 3rd world children and their families, through World Vision, for over 30 years.

Gene loved travelling especially by car. He and Lydia drove coast to coast in Canada and USA. They took several cruises to the Caribbean. They enjoyed vacations in Italy and Spain. They also had, for a time, a mobile home in Florida where they enjoyed pleasant days going for walks, touring the local areas, upgrading their mobile and spending time in the green-blue waters.

Eugene’s love of life was inspired by his commitment to his dear wife and beloved children as well as close friends. His love of music was exceptional and always heartfelt. He loved God and often at the end of the day he would say, God Bless you. His deep faith and regular prayer sustained him daily.

Eugene is survived by his beloved wife Lydia for over 66 years. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his children Janet Marie and Gerald Matthew (Clodia) and granddaughter Kelsey Anne. He will also be missed by his loving niece Theresa (Terry) Cassidy /Pokoj and her children. Eugene is predeceased by his mother Sophia, his father John, his brother Stanley and Stanley’s wife Genevieve and their son Larry. 

The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Martin de Porres Church, on Thursday, January 16th, 2025, at 11 am. Reception to follow. Burial will be held at Beechwood Cemetery at a later date. Mass will be live streamed at: www.stmartindeporresottawa.com

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