Kazimierz 'Ken' Palimaka

After 89 extraordinary years, Kazimierz (Ken) Palimaka passed away peacefully on May 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Kazik was the beloved son of Jan and Wiktoria (Zielinska), the youngest of four siblings. Born on December 4, 1935, in rural Poland near Krakow. Ken was just five years old when his family was taken from their family farm by Russian Soldiers and sent to a Siberian labour camp where they faced extreme hardships. After a few years, their family managed to escape and began the treacherous journey through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and finally Tehran, where he lost his father. His brother Josef joined the Polish Air Force and the remaining family was able to make their way to East Africa, where he spoke fondly of his memories climbing trees with monkeys, playing sports and living freely for the first time. Ken went on to rebuild his life in England. It was in Nottingham that he met and married the love of his life Filomena (Fila) Krupa. Together they welcomed their children, Izabella and Andrew, before immigrating to Canada in 1964. They settled in Wallaceburg, Ontario and later completed their family with the birth of their son Stephen. A gifted tool and die maker, Ken took great pride in his craft, and with his own hands built the family home – a sanctuary that has been the backdrop for some of our family’s most cherished memories. Ken was a devoted son, husband, father, dziadziu, and proud Polish Canadian. A humble and hardworking man, he lived with quiet strength, selflessness, and kindness. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures: tending to his bees, golfing, a good drink and, most of all, spending time with his beloved grandchildren. Despite the hardships he faced, Kazik radiated warmth, humor, and joy. His gentle spirit, sensitivity, and affectionate nature made those around him feel special and deeply loved. He had a remarkable ability to light up any room, he was the life of the party and brought comfort, witty humour, and a sense of belonging wherever he went. Ken is predeceased by his beloved son Stephen (2007), his sister Helena (Kazimierz) and his brothers Jozef (Franciszka) and Lou (Elizabeth). He will be deeply missed by his loving wife and best friend of 64 years, Filomena (Krupa) his children: Izabella and her husband Tim, and their children Alexandra (Andrew), Ashton (Sarah), Jenna (Justin), Jacqueline (Stephen), and Victoria; Andrew and his wife Nicole, and their children Dillon, Koby, and Michel; and his adored great-grandchildren: Lyla, Ella, Mackenzie and Hudson. Family and Friends are invited for visitation at the Haycock-Cavanagh Funeral Home, 409 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg (519-627-3231), on Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 6-8pm and on Friday, May 16, 2025 from 11am until 12:30pm. His Mass of the Resurrection will take place on Friday, May 16, 2025 at Our Lady Help of Christians Church at 1pm, followed by burial at Riverview Cemetery. If you wish to make a donation in his memory, please consider Our Lady Help of Christians Church or the CKHA - Sydenham Campus. Cherished stories and tributes may be left for the family at www.CavanaghFuneralHome.ca