It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Arek (Eric) Czarko on September 28, 2023.

Arek was born in Wroclaw Poland December 24, 1966 where he lived until immigrating to Winnipeg in May 1986. Arek married Grace on July 10, 1993 and in April 2007 they had a son, Sebastian. Arek and Sebastian soon became a solid unit with many things in common.

Arek was predeceased by his father Lenard and his Babcia (grandmother) in Poland as well as his youngest brother-in-law, Daniel Shewfelt. Arek is survived by Grace and Sebastian, his mother Natalia, sister Maggie (Tony), brother Edward of Winnipeg and his sister Kasia of Poland, his in laws Brian and Nella Shewfelt, sister-in -law Paulette (Peter) Klym, brothers-in-law Jim, Ben, Brad (Tanya), Austin (Jenny) Shewfelt. His adopted Winnipeg parents Ben and Louise Shuya and adopted brother Arek Maly. Arek was uncle to 5 nieces Rachel (Nathan), Sharai, Kiera, Brianne and Ella, 6 nephews Taze, Colby, Keenan, Ethan, Carsen, Ryan and Nicky; 3 great nieces Leah, Darla and Petal and 2 great nephews Reign and Cyrus. He loved them all.

After moving to Winnipeg, Arek worked at the Courts of St. James and for Auto Trader. He was a sales rep for Map Art (many saw his large white van on Valhalla). Arek also had his own business ARTYM which specialized in installing Barrisol stretched ceilings, for which he travelled to France to be trained to install. He was very proud of this product and had the privilege of installing several ceilings in Winnipeg. However, Arek’s favorite job of all was his last one as a school bus driver; he loved it and the children. Arek enjoyed being around children and their innocence-sweetness-honesty as he found it refreshing, children picked up on this and enjoyed having him as a driver. Whenever his route was changed, he would have former passengers come and ask him “when are you coming back?” He often had a new drawing or card to add to his collection. It was a very difficult decision in May to hand in his keys for what turned out to be the last time.

Arek was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses July 1, 1989, this step brought Arek much joy and happiness as he spent time teaching others Bible truths. Arek was an avid reader and was seldom seen without a book, he was a firm believer in keeping books as he would always re read the great ones several times. After filling several bookcases, he decided he should go digital and in no time had his Kindle and phone full of books.

During his youth in Poland, Arek spent time in Scouts and this fed his love for the outdoors. He had many stories of camping trips and adventures from those days as this was where he developed many outdoor skills. Being outdoors was one of Arek’s biggest passions (unless it was-30). He loved to hike and explore or lose himself in a wild blueberry patch. He loved to lay back in a hammock and absorb nature and he had a favorite spot go to on the North Star trail to do all 3!

Arek was keen to learn and pass his knowledge on, this was very evident over the last 16 years with Sebastian as Arek found it very rewarding to have Sebastian follow things he was shown by example to fix or add to his own computer or someone else’s. Arek and Sebastian shared a love of music and although Arek never played an instrument, he was so proud that his son had the ability to do so and he LOVED to hear him play.

Arek will be forever remembered for his mild and kind nature, in fact you knew if Arek got upset then things where really bad; he tended to keep things peaceful. He was very generous and always wanted to help people if he could. Arek had a quiet way of being your cheerleader and boosting your confidence as he himself was not one to give up. Arek always saw the good in people, he had positive comments about all he met.

We look forward to seeing Arek again when he is resurrected in perfect health to a paradise earth, under God’s Kingdom government (Psalms 37:10,11, Rev.21:3,4)

The family wishes to thank the Seven Oaks Home Hemodialysis team, as well as the doctors and nurses at Seven Oaks Hospital who took care of Arek during his final months.

There will be a memorial service (open to public) at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 937 Gateway Road at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday October 19 2023. Additionally, a Zoom presentation will also be available at the same time: ID 84695794329 with password of Arek0165.

Family and friends are welcome to share memories and condolences on Arek’s memorial page by using the comment field below.