It is with intense heartbreak and incredible sadness that we share news of the very sudden passing of Henryk (Hank) Andrew Klodnicki (Born: 26 February 1943; Passed: 19 June 2023) at Huntsville District Memorial Hospital. Hank was true love and life partner to Linda Bernice (Watson) Klodnicki, and incredibly proud dad and chief cheerleader to his three kids: James Henryk Klodnicki (Renee Trepanier), David Andrew Vaughn Klodnicki (Kate Klodnicki), and Jill Antonina Klodnicki (Nic Zimmer). Dad was an even prouder Dziadzia to his much lauded, acclaimed, and talked-about grandchildren: Nadia, Jacques, Yanik, Olivia, Lennon, and Layka. Dad was also Uncle Hank to multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins from across Canada and in Europe. Dad has been repeatedly called a good friend and "one of the nicest people ever" to many friends/neighbours/"second family" for whom he cared (and was cared for) in Huntsville.

Dad was an only child, born to a Polish immigrant couple, Andrew and Antonina Klodnicki of Sarnia. Dad grew up in Sarnia with boyhood dreams of working at Polysar and Esso, like his Tato, but realized the negative impact that "chemical valley" was having on friends and family. He took his secondary education from SCITs (Sarnia Collegiate Institute and Technical School) and applied to the Royal Canadian Military Police. His parents were not fans so, instead, he applied to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and was posted to Huntsville, where he served for 32 years, retiring as a Senior Constable. Prior to the Huntsville posting, dad attended a "swinging singles" dance and had the good fortune to meet the most gorgeous of Petrolia farmgirls. He stole Linda from his buddies (Casey and Peter) and they sealed their relationship with a wedding during the Summer of Love, specifically on August 9, 1969. With Huntsville being a solid 5-7 hour drive from Sarnia (depending on the weather and construction!), Dad and Mom created a second family with their friends in Huntsville. Dad's favourite past-time, after exclaiming on the achievements and accomplishments of his kids and grandkids, was to loudly celebrate the successes of friends, family and their kids. Huge thanks to the Huntsville families and Sarnia/Lambton families for their love and support of our Dad - his excitement and engagement was always genuine and is missed every minute by all who had the chance to know him. We are so lucky, Dad, to have had you in our lives!

As mentioned at the outset of this Obituary, this loss was a surprise for everyone. However, in keeping with Mom and Dad's extremely well-organized lives, they had completed "just in case" files with details on next steps, arrangements, memory items…and a final message to their kids which, we think, is applicable to all those who loved and were loved by Dad and Mom:

"We love you all so very much and we are so very proud of the people you have become. You are everything a mother and father could want for their children and more. You are wonderful parents, supportive spouses, and kind and compassionate siblings and friends. Take care of each other and enjoy your time with your spouses, children, and siblings. Time speeds by and life is so short. Family is important. If you need us, close your eyes and, if possible, we'll be there."

The Visitation for Dad will take place at Mitchell Funeral Home, 15 High Street, Huntsville on Saturday, 24 June from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.

The Service for Dad will occur at All Saint’s Anglican Church, 30 High Street, Huntsville on Sunday, 25 June at 1:00 pm. A private interment will occur at a later time.

While flowers are always appreciated, donations in Dad's name to Parkinson Canada https://donate.parkinson.ca/site/Donation2?df_id=5681&mfc_pref=T&5681.donation=form1 or to PFLAG Durham https://pflagdurhamregion.com/donations/ would also be deeply appreciated.

Henryk "Hank" Andrew Klodnicki