Waldemar Stywryn (Valdi) was born May 9, 1949 in Wrocław, Poland and passed away on April 25, 2024 at Saddleback Hospital in Laguna Hills.

When Valdi was born his sister was already 22 and his brother 24 years old. He was a love child. Being the baby of the family, he loved a lot of attention but was never self-centered or selfish.

Valdi learned to play chess at the age of 6, taught to him by his father. This skill came in handy and made him many friendships throughout his lifetime. Chess became a valuable commodity when he served in the Polish Army earning him many favors from his peers.

Valdi went to Technician School in Poland, Germany and England. He took a job fixing appliances.

In 1983 Valdi visited Pope John Paul II in Vatican City. During this time he made the decision to escape communist Poland as he entered a refugee camp in Latina, close to Rome.

His first arrival to the US was in Baltimore, Maryland in 1984. He landed a job in a meat processing factory.  After six months he moved to California where his Polish friends helped him to find work, mostly in construction.

Once settled, Jadwiga , Valdi's wife and Andrzej(Andy) his 10 year old son joined Valdi in the US. The family moved from Oceanside to San Bernardino, where they were able to purchase their first home.  Unfortunately when Andy was 16 year old his mother became ill and passed away shortly after.

Valdi's last job was at a Target Warehouse where he retired in 2016.

Waldemar met Elizabeth in 2001 at a Polish dinner Club. The two of them danced most of the night and enjoyed each other's company. They married in 2002 and Valdi moved to Laguna Niguel, but continued to commute 4 days per week to his job in Fontana.

Valdi and Elizabeth enjoyed many activities together their favorite was cruising the seas and visiting numerous countries. Their most recent cruise was to Patagonia and Iguazu Falls. This trip was a Godsend because shortly after Valdi became very ill and passed away.

Valdi and Elizabeth loved Pacific Symphony Orchestra concerts, other local concerts and long walks.

Waldemar also enjoyed chess, ping-pong and socializing at the local Community Center. He belonged to St. Timothy's church and attended masses and prayers very often.

He was a kind man and his friend described him as a ray of sunshine, kind, loving, full of joy, with a beautiful soul.

Waldemar will be missed by all of his friends, wife Elizabeth, son Andy, Stepdaughter Monica and Son-in-law Rick.

RIP

In lieu of flowers please make donation to your choice of the charity or medical research

Reception:

May 15, 2024   11:30am     California Pizza  Kitchen  27430  La Paz Rd,  Laguna Niguel,  Ca 92677