Jerzy Jarmasz

Born: Smyga, Wołyń district, Poland, April 8, 1939 

Died: Ottawa, Ontario, August 26, 2002 

• Family lived in the Southern part of the Eastern borderlands (Kresy Wschodnie), which were invaded by the Soviet Army in September 1939.

• After Germany invaded the Soviet Union, family was deported from Eastern Poland in the summer of 1943; arrived at a labour camp in Northern Germany in1944.

• Not wanting to be subjected to Soviet rule, and finding their home outside of the new borders of Poland, family stayed in Germany, at first in a refugee camp for Poles, later in Ludwigsburg (Baden-Würtemburg).

• Starting at age 14, Jerzy studied in Paris (Saint Sulpice & Henri IV high schools) and boarded at a seminary run by Polish priests for the purpose of affording young Polish boys a better education.

• In November 1960, Jerzy, along with his parents and youngest brother, arrived in Toronto (the 5 other siblings had moved to Canada in the late 1950’s).

• 1 year of studies at the University of Toronto; completed B.A. in psychology at the University of Ottawa.

• Master’s degree (awarded in 1968) and PhD (received in 1978) in psychology at the University of Ottawa.

• Involved in the Polish Student’s association both at U of T and U of O (served as president, vice-president, contributor to the association’s newsletter at the U of O). 

• 1968 to 1972: worked as a psychologist (St Vincent de Paul Hospital, Royal Ottawa Hospital).

• 1971: Married Mercedes Rivera, a native of Honduras (Central America). They had three children: Jerzy, Mario and Lidia-Gabriela.

• 1972 to 2002: long and distinguished career in the Federal Public Service (Manpower, Secretary of State/Heritage Canada, Health Canada).

• As a senior evaluator, was involved in evaluating many of the Federal Government programs and policies (Multiculturalism, AIDS, Family Violence).

• Founding member of the Polish Heritage Foundation.

• Actively involved for many years with the Canadian Esperanto Association, Development and Peace, the parents’ association of the Polish School in Ottawa.

• Up to his final days, campaigned against pesticide use on municipal lawns.

• Unbaiting love & interest for Polish culture & history, Latin American civilization, classical music; always concerned with environmental issues, politics, social issues. 

• Hobbies: gardening, photography, music (extensive LP collection), reading.