February 17, 1939 – May 9, 2026
Ted Szajewski passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, at Lake of the Woods District Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Ted was born in Ladywood, Manitoba, on February 17, 1939, to Bertha and John Szajewski. He was raised on the family farm alongside his sisters, Vickie and Maryann, until the family relocated to Keewatin, Ontario when Ted was 14 years old. It was in Keewatin that he met the love of his life, Julie, whom he married on June 15, 1963, at Notre Dame Cathedral.
Ted and Julie built a wonderful life together centered around family, hard work, community, and sports. In their early years, Ted owned and operated the R & T Truck Stop alongside his brother-in-law and partner Ron. Despite the demands of business and raising a family, Ted always found time to give back to his community.
Ted was deeply involved in the Keewatin Kinsmen Club, contributing to many local projects including the Keewatin Ball Park, the public beach, and the installation of artificial ice in the Keewatin Arena. Sports were a lifelong passion, and he especially loved coaching baseball, hockey, and curling.
After an industrial accident that resulted in the loss of his arm and led to early retirement, Ted continued his commitment to the community through municipal politics. He served as a councillor for both the Town of Keewatin and the newly amalgamated City of Kenora for 15 years, retiring in 2006. During this time, he played an instrumental role in the development and creation of the Kenora & Lake of the Woods Community Foundation. As Chair of Parks and Recreation, he worked tirelessly to expand sport and recreation opportunities for residents throughout the Kenora area.
More than any title or accomplishment, Ted treasured time spent with his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose happiest moments were spent with his grandchildren — whether bouncing on the trampoline, teaching preschoolers how to drive his tractor, building beaches in the bathtub, or simply being a playmate and babysitter whenever needed.
Ted enjoyed many sports throughout his life, including hockey, bowling, football, baseball, and especially curling. A proud member of the Keewatin Curling Club for over 70 years, he was honoured with a lifetime membership and cherished the friendships and memories made there, including competing in the Provincial Curling Club Championship in Sault Ste. Marie.
Ted also loved the outdoors and embraced every spring and summer with enthusiasm — fishing trips, gardening, tending the historic cemetery near the family home, and producing more than 200 quarts of pickles each year for Julie to can. For Ted, fishing was never just about catching fish; it was about adventure, laughter, and time spent with family.
In his later years, Ted often spoke proudly of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family and community remained the center of his life.
Ted is survived by his beloved wife Julie; his children Michael (Stacey), Leanne (Brock), Alan (Holly), and Lori (Jim); his grandchildren Megan (Luke), Cassandra (Dan), Joshua (Brooke), and Samantha (Sierra); and his cherished great-grandchildren Wyatt, Sawyer, Laney, and Lincoln. He is also survived by his sisters, Vickie Queen and Maryann Poirier, along with many extended family members and dear friends.
He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the broader community.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors and staff at the Keewatin Medical Centre and Lake of the Woods District Hospital, as well as the many friends and family members who visited Ted during his stay. Your kindness and care were deeply appreciated.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Keewatin Curling Club on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation – Ted and Julie Szajewski Community Fund.
