Heinz Gunther Polawski

Heinz passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025, at the age of 88, at Muskoka Shores in Gravenhurst, Ontario. He was predeceased by his dear parents, Johannes and Hildegard Polawski.

Dearly loved and forever remembered by his wife, Mamie Polawski, brother Werner (Eve) Polawski and children, Jerry Polawski and Debbie Moore.

Deeply missed by his grandchildren, Stephanie (Marten), Natasha (Logan), Karl (Neasha), Brian, David, Laurie and Kate; and great-grandchildren, Ryley, Mattison, Logan, Abbigail, Teagan, Olivia, David and Annabelle.

Fondly remembered by his cousins, Nick, Brigette and Holly, of Manitoba.

Heinz was born on October 8, 1937 in Germany. When he was 16 years old, his family immigrated to Canada and they eventually settled in Toronto. He met Mamie at Willard’s Chocolate Factory, where they both worked at the time, and the two married on Halloween in 1958. Heinz spent his working career in Toronto where he and Mamie raised their family.

Following a 30-year career at the Ford assembly plant in Oakville, where Heinz loved being the first to see what new cars the company was manufacturing and enjoyed playing cards at lunch with his coworkers, he retired with Mamie to their country property in Bracebridge. Whether it was working on his 40 acre Muskoka property doing firewood, sunbathing on the veranda, or snowmobiling in the winter, Heinz enjoyed the simplicity of the lifestyle his rural property offered.

Heinz took pride in his European roots and was an avid fan of all sports, in particular Formula 1. Along with Mamie, he hosted many great dinner parties and gatherings that frequently went well into the night. Family and friends were important to Heinz and nothing made him happier than being in their company. In later years, he cherished time spent with family above all else.

Heinz was a survivor who has forever inspired those close to him to be strong and resilient. He possessed an unwavering dedication to his family and will be remembered fondly for the life and opportunities he provided for his family.

Special thanks to the staff at Muskoka Shores for the care and dedication he received during his stay.

Donations can be made in his memory to the Muskoka Shores Care Community or the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation.

Cremation has taken place and interment to be arranged at a later date.

Condolences and memories can be shared with Reynolds Funeral Home.