In Loving Memory of
Roman Olszewski
1950 - 2022
Obituary of Roman Olszewski
It is with great sadness that Roman’s family announces his passing on Monday, September 12, 2022 at the age of 71. He was the beloved husband of 54 years to Judy. Loving father to Ryan (Sara). Proud and cherished Papa to Lincoln. Dear brother of John (Vicky) and Helena Wegrzyn, and brother-in-law of Chris (Corrine) Clifford.Roman was the Director of Technical Services for Athletics Ontario, dedicating nearly 40 years to the sport of Track and Field. In 2021, he was inducted into the Athletics Ontario Hall of Fame. Roman was a long-time member of the Peninsula Field Naturalist Group and The Niagara Peninsula Geological Society. He will be remembered as an intelligent, well-educated man who was known for his extensive stamp, coin, mineral and lichen collections! He also had a love for sports, particularly track and field and race walking, and always enjoyed watching the Olympic Games. Above all else, Roman will be remembered for his love of his family. He had a special relationship with his grandson Lincoln, who always kept Papa on his toes when they would play "superfast" around the house.
In keeping with Roman's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of his life will be held at 1 Ripley Avenue, Toronto (Queensway & Kingsway) on Thursday, September 22 beginning at 11:30 a.m., with lunch to follow. Arrangements are entrusted to Essentials Cremation and Burial Services (905-734-1031). If desired, memorial donations may be made to Parkinson Canada.
Service Information
A Celebration of Life
Date: September 22, 2022Start Time: 11:30 am
End Time: 12:30 pm
Venue: 1 Ripley Avenue, Toronto (Queensway & Kingsway) beginning at 11:30 a.m. with words of remembrance. Lunch will follow.
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I was saddened to hear about Roman. We got to know each other through the NPGS. He was a kind and thoughtful man.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Roman’s passing. I extend my deepest condolences to his family. I knew Roman through his interest in lichens. His sharp eye often turned up interesting and significant records of lichens, and many of his collections have made their way into the National Lichen Collection at the Canadian Museum of Nature. His enthusiasm, good humour and sharp mind were always in evidence when we met, usually at field meetings. May his memory be for a blessing.
I was an athlete who worked as a student intern alongside Roman, Cecil, John, Hazel and Wendy. It is with great sadness that I heard this news. Roman taught me so much about the administrative side of the association business, Rest In Peace Roman.
I was so sad to hear about Roman passing away. I think the Peninsula Field Naturalist Club has lost a very important contributor and member.
Heartfelt condolences to the family. As a young athlete, I always enjoyed conversing with Roman,. His words of wisdom have guided me thru the years. The athletic community, and the world in general has lost a true treasure.
Sincere condolences to the family. I know how much your presence will be missed by the racewalking community.
Please accept my sincere condolences, my husband Cecil worked alongside with Roman for many years.
Sincere condolences to Judy and her family. Roman’s laughter, humour and kindness will be missed.
Roman will always be remembered for his dedication to racewalking and athletics.
Our condolences to Judy and family during this most difficult time. We have been neighbours and friends for many years and Roman always had a kind smile. He will be greatly missed in our neighbourhood.
Roman will be missed by all that knew him. He was such a kind man. I had the pleasure of knowing Roman when I was an active member of the Niagara Peninsula Geological Society.
Judy and family – I am so very sorry to hear of Roman’s passing. He was a long time really great geology guy – brilliant at minerals – and superbly helpful to all at the Niagara Peninsula Geological Society, at mineral shows, and on field trips. He will be sadly missed. Prayers and thoughts, Judy, for you and all of your family.
Athletics Ontario has lost a true supporter and we coaches have lost a great friend and mentor
Murray Jackson
2001 CSG Province of Ontario Distance Coach
2005 CSG Province of Ontario Head Coach- Athletics
Dave Christiani
2005 CSG Province of Ontario Distance Coach
2009 CSG Province of Ontario Head Coach- Athletics.
Murray Jackson/ Dave Christiani
Friends
Judy, Ryan and family,
I am truly sorry for your loss.
Please accept my sincere codolences.
Chris Phillips
Roman was my mentor and became my friend during my years volunteering as a team manager with Athletics Ontario. His knowledge and insight made every task that much easier and more manageable. I will miss his guidance and support. My sympathies to his family.
I have had the honor of knowing Roman for many years, being introduced to him and his brother John more than two decades ago, while being his mother Zenona Olszewski’s Financial Advisor. I will always remember Roman as a very humble person with a great sense of humor. My deepest and most sincere condolences to his wife, Judy, and his entire family. A donation has been made to Parkinson Canada in memory of Roman.
Sorry for your loss.
We are sending our thoughts and prayers.
Our sincere condolences.
Leva Family.
Sad news, He was a long standing Official, who often went above and beyond his duties at many track meets. Sincerely Paul & Lorraine Poce, Toronto Olympic Club
Many years of happy memories of the pizza lunch at Roman and Judy’s after the Welland Racewalk championships.
Roman will and has been missed in the Racewalk community.
Our deepest sympathies to Judy and Family.
I worked side by side with Roman for over 30 years, and know as well as anyone how much his energy and intelligence contributed to our sport. He was thoughtful, insightful, sometimes funny, and always asking how he could help. On behalf of myself, Hazel and Wendy from the Athletics Ontario office, I offer our sincerest condolences to Judy, Ryan and the rest of the family. He made a difference to our sport and our lives.
Roman was an indelible part of my childhood. I spent countless weekends with him and Judy and my parents playing SuperQuiz and laughing. Always kind, always made me feel a part of the family, always quirky and unique in the most amazing way. My heart goes out to his family.
On behalf of the Board and staff at Athletics Ontario, our deepest condolences to the family. A donation has been made to Parkinson Canada in memory of Roman. May he rest in peace.
Roman was a member of the Toronto Striders (Track and Field Club) where I first coached. Through the nearly 50 years that I have known Roman, whether as an athlete, official or administrator, Roman was always a kind, gentle and most knowledgeable person. He performed yeoman service for Athletics Ontario.
I was so pleased to induct Roman into the Athletics Ontario Hall of Fame – he was so grateful and proud.
My thoughts our with his family as you treasure the memories He will be missed.
My sincere condolences for your loss, may you and your family find comfort and peace.
As Roman” s sister and because I know the pain of his passing, I would like to give you, Judy, Ryan, Sarah and little Lincoln my deepest and sincerest condolences. He was so loved by all of us.