Kazimierz "Casey" Zigmundt Kaczynski

Kazimierz “Casey” Zigmundt Kaczynski 

September 25, 1949 – February 20, 2025 

 With gratitude for his life, Casey’s family announces his peaceful passing at home surrounded by the love of his family on February 20, 2025 at age 75. Casey was the cherished husband of Kathie (Kathryn Dowden) with whom he shared 52 years and who was his steadfast partner and support, and beloved father of Dr. Andrew Kaczynski and Erin Laughter of Columbia, South Carolina and Sarah and Scott Morrison of Woodstock. He was an immensely proud grandpa of Abby, Kate, and Meg Kaczynski, and Leah and Claire Morrison. He will be remembered by his brother and sister-in-law, Walt and Barbara Kaczynski, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Linda and Doug Neal, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was predeceased by his father, Klemens, mother, Sophia, and infant son, Peter Casey. 

Born in Forchies-la-Marche, Belgium on September 25, 1949, and named Kazimierz, Casey, his parents and his older brother immigrated to Canada in June 1954. They settled in Orillia where Casey enjoyed swimming and gymnastics, and while in high school, worked at the bowling alley and with an uncle in house renovation, thus gaining the skills to build a new home for his parents. He attended university in Waterloo for two years, fortunately long enough to meet his future wife, but decided he preferred hands on work, being hired by lumber supply companies. Casey and Kathie married in 1972, living for a brief time in Kitchener and Chatham, and moving to Woodstock in 1983 where they raised their children. 

Memories of Casey will be his passion and his love for his family. He spent hours at baseball practice with Andy and was always on hand to take Sarah to the arena for skating. Be it soccer, horseback riding, dance, hockey, volleyball, orchestra or The Cocktails a cappella group, he would always cheer proudly for his grandchildren. Casey was a true "Jack of all trades” who took pleasure in tinkering in the garage, tackling any repairs, tending his perfect grass, teaching others ‘how to’ and cooking delicious meals! His hands-on approach was appreciated by so many. 

After 3 years of dialysis and a life-changing kidney transplant, Casey had four years filled with activities he enjoyed and special times with his family, only to be diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis formerly known as Lou Gehrig's disease) seven months ago. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Pongi Kocsis, Tonya Haevens, and friends and neighbours for their support and caring.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Woodstock Hospital, https://whfoundation.ca/donate-now/  

The Kidney Foundation of Canada,  https://kidney.akaraisin.com/ui/generaldonation/donations/start 

ALS Society of Canada, https://donate.als.ca/page/116715/donate/1 or charity of your choice. 

In keeping with Casey’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Interment and Celebration of Life to honour Casey will be planned for the Spring. 

If you would like the family to receive a notification of your donation, please contact the funeral home.