GEORGE (JUREK) DERGIMAN
January 23, 1940 - February 11, 2008
My beloved husband, Jurek, left my side on February 11, 2008, at Surrey Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with chronic renal failure. He fought bravely and is finally at peace, but, after 52 years together, as my soulmate and friend, it will be hard to heal my broken heart. Survived by myself Jean, sister-in-law, Linda Ryan, brothers-in-law, Graham / Margaret Gill, Jeffrey / Beverley Gill, cousins Marilyn / Bill Hopper, and Polish cousins, Krystyna and Wojtek Gumowska.
Of Polish heritage and the last of the line of Polish barons in his family since 1843, Jurek was born in Nice, France and spent his first five years as a refugee in Paris. He met his father for the first time in 1945 when he and his mother were able to leave Paris for a new start in London. He spoke fluent Polish and French and graduated as an Aeronautical Engineer from London University, receiving his degree from Her Majesty, the Queen Mother at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
A talented musician and member of a Polish dance troupe, Jurek had a joie de vivre which was appreciated by all who knew him. We moved to Los Angeles for 20 years and as members of Riviera Country Club (he was a 5 handicap) he played golf with Peter Falk (Columbo), Dean Martin, and Englebert Humperdink and appeared as an extra in the TV show "Seinfeld". His wonderful sense of humour, charisma, wit and aristocratic bearing will never be forgotten.
I wish to thank my cousin Marilyn/Bill Hopper and wonderful friends, Lynne/ Jim Bardell and family, Beverly Boys/Steve Jones and family, Nancy Murray and all those to numerous to name for their support and love. A special thank you to Dr. Victor Chan, at Royal Columbia Hospital and the renal staff at Surrey Memorial Hospital for the compassion and caring extended to Jurek during his final months. Also I wish to thank Father Matthew To for his kindness at this difficult time.
"You are still with us in spirit My Darling and we will all drink a martini in your honour. "
Memorial Service will be held at The Star of The Sea Church, 1153 Fir Street, White Rock on Monday, February 18th at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada.