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
Please consider donating to a charity of your choice. Leave a condolence message by signing the digital guestbook on this page.
Digital Guestbook
Lucille Neveu
Lil and Bob Williamson
We are sorry for your great loss. Gene will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Pamela K Watts
My sincere condolences to the family! What a beautiful tribute to his precious legacy! May the God he so dearly loved be your comfort and guide in this time of grief! My heartfelt and sincere well wishes to the family!
G.Z. Slowik and Family
Thinking of you during this difficult time. We hope our prayers will heal pain and bring peace and comfort.
Pauline Cherry
It is with great sadness that I am writing this message to you, Lydia, and your family. You and Eugene have been a wonderful support to my late husband, Don, and I, over these past several years, and I will be eternally grateful for the many times you have befriended us.
We have been privileged to spend time together, playing cards and board games- especially cribbage. Eugene was a genius at counting in cribbage, and he never made a mistake. We’ve shared much laughter and several outings together as well. Eugene has had a life that well lived and it was spent being well loved, and he will be greatly missed.
With sympathy, prayers and love,
Pauline 🍒
Veronica Janeczko
So sorry to hear of your passing Eugene - you will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved you!! "Life is fragile, memories are forever" and yes, you created so many memories for Lydia and your children. Rest in Peace, in the arms of God!!
Pierre Paradis
Always a pleasure to meet this man. Would have been great to know him better.
Fran & Neville Chamberlain
To Gerry, Clodia & Kelsey & family
Sorry for your loss so soon after the passing of Ken.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you
Dave Lagrove
My condolences to Gerry and all of the family.
It was a privilege to know such a fine gentleman.
Rest in peace.
Jennifer Janeczko, Stefanie, Callista and Emily
We are so sorry for your loss. We are all sending you our best wishes and love.
My sincere condolences to you, Lydia and your children and grand-daughter. My proyers will ne with you all. Gene will be remembrered as a gentleman and a very kind man. He will be greatly mises.