Peacefully at The Ottawa Civic Hospital on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at the age of 68, after a short but difficult battle with Cancer.
Predeceased by his loving parents Frank and Mary. Cherished brother of Kaz (Paulette). Caring Uncle to Alexis (friend Michael) and Eric Fabbro (Nicole). He will be remembered by his Uncle Walter Szczotka (late Leokadia) and special nieces Elizabeth and Barbara.
Graduating from Central Michigan University with a Masters degree in Geography, Wit began working with Parks Canada as a planner in Atlantic Canada. After several years with the Parks team he decided to begin a new chapter of his life internationally.
Wit’s first experience overseas was in Malaysia in the 70’s as a Canadian University Students Overseas (CUSO) volunteer to work as a forester. In 1980-81, he became a co-ordinator for Canada World Youth (CWY) and took a group of young adults to Bangladesh for inter-cultural and development education. During his CWY tenure, Wit made many life-long friends with whom he stayed in touch with to this day.
In the mid-80’s he returned to Bangladesh where he worked as the CUSO Program Director for 4 years, overseeing CUSO’s volunteer program. In 1989, after he had resettled in Canada, he worked as a consultant for the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and returned to Bangladesh for about a year to carry out an environment assessment and published a strategy for future development. While working in Bangladesh and Malaysia, Wit had the opportunity to travel to many Asian countries.
Once settled in Ottawa, Wit’s love for nature was fulfilled by many camping and canoe trips with close friends, thousands of kilometers on his bicycle and cross country skis. When visiting family in Sault Ste. Marie on special occasions, he always made sure to make time for his life-long Sault friends.
A celebration of life will be planned in Ottawa for the first weekend in September 2014. Friends around the world are welcome to plant a tree, to fulfill Wit’s desire of creating a small forest in his memory.
A special thank you to the Ottawa Civic Hospital staff of unit B2 for their kindness and compassion while Wit was in their care.
Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com
