Dear St. Louis Old Boys:
On February 10, 2017 at 23:20 hour, our beloved Brother Edward Kowala has peacefully returned to the Almighty God's embrace, with Fr. Matthew Chan's sacred water, Sister Mary Ho and many of the consistent old boys around his bed at Canossa Hospital. Br. Edward was very well prepared for himself, and yet gracefully fighting the illness since admitted to the hospital in January.
Br. Edward was walking the last stage of his life, and looks comfortable and peaceful. Many of our old boys visited him, talked to him, shared jokes with him, and brought the many good memories to him in different years of encounters.
Thanks to Sister Mary, Fr. Chan, and the Clergymen Care Team and individuals, who came and took care of him relentlessly during the last few weeks, and even longer. Br. Edward shows his usual humour and integrity the way he handles himself. He drinks the miracle Sprite, and the Chicken Milk.... and has a great relief after a telephone conversation with his family in Czech a few days ago.
****
Brother Edward, who has always been a real brother of us, across the decades of our St. Louis encounters. We could find him teaching in classes, joining school boys in the sports teams, cheering up football champion teams, showing skills in competitive games, talking to pupils in soft and comfortable tone.... with his special European English accent we always remember. He is humorous, and very humble. Seldom takes a centre stage without a reason. Always a big supporter when needed.
The very last Birthday Party for Br. Edward was organised by the Friends of St. Louis when a few hundred old boys celebrated his birthday on October 8, 2016 in a hotel in Saiyingpun. The sharing of the joy will be remembered by everyone.
And Edward Kowala will always be remembered as our brother.
*****
John Po
President, SLOBA
February 12, 2017