LeszekKOPECIt is with great sadness that the family wish to announce the peaceful death in the Royal Derby Hospital, of Leszek Kopec, aged 102 years. Les was a respected father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Born in Poland, he lived through turbulent times. As a POW, he witnessed, endured and survived the Nazi atrocities of the Dachau and Gross Rosen concentration camps. This was a testament to luck and his resilience and strength of character. He later settled in the safety of the UK and rebuilt his life in Derby, where he worked as an industrial chemist with International Combustion (now part of Rolls-Royce).
He was a longstanding and very active member of the Polish Community in Derby and the UK- contributing to its social, educational, cultural and community life for many decades. He was also a committed member of the Polish Church choir and an extremely keen gardener. He will be missed by his family and friends in both Derby and Poland.
The family wish to thank all of those who helped us to look after Les during some periods of acute illness in the last years of his life- in particular Derby Care Services and staff at the Macklin St. Surgery.
The funeral mass will take place at St Maksymillian Kolbe, Polish Catholic Church, (Christ the King) Prince Charles Avenue, Mackworth Derby, DE22 4BG, on Monday 17th August at 2.00pm followed by cremation, at Markeaton Crematorium, Round Chapel.
Donations for the Polish School in Derby, may be left at the service.
Enquiries to Wathalls, 01332 345268.
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