With heavy hearts, the family of Henry Richard Jackowski shares the news of his passing at St. Joseph’s Hospice on May 31, 2026, at the age of 68.
Henry was born in Thunder Bay on Jan 21, 1958 to Wladyslaw (Walter) and Eugenia (Wojtowicz) Jackowski. He went to St. James Public School and Lakeview High School. After finishing Grade 13, he spent a year at LU in the Engineering program before moving to Toronto. There, he enrolled in George Brown College and earned a diploma in Construction Management along with a General Drafting Diploma. He also played for the GBC basketball team after being spotted by the coach while running down the stairs as a tall but skinny kid. Even after many years, Henry kept in touch with his former coach Val Pozzan and teammate Nathan Blackburn. Although he enjoyed life in Toronto, Henry returned to Thunder Bay after graduating to assist his aging parents. While searching for work, his friend Brad mentioned drafting tables he saw at his office building. Soon after that, Henry began working as a draftsman at Valmet. What he thought would be a short stint turned into an impressive 41-year career there, culminating in his retirement as a Project Manager in 2023. Henry was a loving husband, proud father, loyal friend, and dedicated worker who always offered help or advice when needed. His patience was unmatched as he consistently prioritized his family’s needs above his own. After retiring, he loved spending time with his dog Oliver and grand puppy Ember (Oliver’s sister), tinkering with his Mustang, doing yard work, and grabbing coffee with Brad. His interests included vintage cars, photography, music, sports, classic films, and old game shows. An accomplished athlete across various sports but especially fond of basketball-he shared this passion with his two sons whom he coached during their time with the Blaze basketball program and throughout high school. His favorite commentator was Jack Armstrong; Henry always got a kick out of hearing him say “get that garbage outta here.”
He is survived by Karen, his wife of 36 years; sons Mitchell (Monika) and Jordan; siblings Barbara Jackowski and Joe (Catherine) Jackowski; mother-in-law Janet Wolanicki; sisters-in-law Diane Adams (Phil Thompson), Sandy (Curtis) Berg; brother-in-law Allan (Susan) Wolanicki; nieces and nephews Dianne Bryant, Janet Jackowski, Bob (Shellie) Jackowski, Michael (Melissa) Jackowski, David (Robyn) Jackowski, Darren Shrumm; Danielle Shrumm (Jeremy), Jennifer (Steve) Molodowich; Jaymeson Adams; Zachary Adams (Shawna); Alana (Scott) Asselin; Allison (Sean) Forster; along with many great nieces and nephews and good friends Phil Thompson, Teresa and John Flis Jim Adams plus long-time best friend Brad Potter.
He was predeceased by both parents Walter and Eugenia as well as brother Ted and father-in-law Frank Wolanicki.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to all doctors nurses along with caregivers who attended to Henry’s needs at Thunder Bay Regional Cancer Centre Thunder Bay Regional Hospital especially during the last twelve weeks of care at St. Joseph’s Hospice where he spent his final days receiving compassionate support.
Henry valued privacy and humility preferring small gatherings over large crowds. Cremation has taken place. A private Inurnment will be conducted at St Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery followed by an intimate family gathering.
For those wishing to honor him donations can be made to the Thunder Bay Humane Society reflecting Henry’s love for animals.
Condolences may be expressed through www. nwfainc. com
