Michael Kolesar

Kolesar, Michael, Colonel (ret)

February 20, 1927 – February 9, 2021

Michael Kolesar passed away peacefully at Élisabeth Bruyère Hospital on February 9, 2021 at the age of 93. He is survived by four of his children, Michael (Bev), Mark (Diane), Mary Jane (Allan), and Martin; six grandchildren, Mika (Luke), Sarah (Mike), Chrissie (Will), Griffin, Erin (Jason), and LauraLee; and eight great-grandchildren, Liam, Olivia, Tristan, Astrid, Aidan, Lizzie, Lachlan, and Isla. Also survived by his brother Lawrence Kolesar and his nephew John Kolesar. Michael was pre-deceased last year by his wife Ada (née Bigué) and daughter Myra Ann.

Michael immigrated to Canada from Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia) when he was a boy. Growing up in Gatineau, Quebec, he adapted to small town life during difficult economic times in the 1930s. He attended Catholic school and was a devout Catholic. He graduated from University of Ottawa. While still at university, he turned down an opportunity for a scholarship at Columbia University to study psychology, and instead opted for a career in the Canadian military. He joined the Canadian Officers Training Corp. He trained and got his paratrooper wings at Camp Borden; he was a combat veteran in the Korean War; served with NORAD; he later served with NATO's Peacekeeping missions in Cyprus and the Congo. And in 1967, he served as aide-de-camp to then Governor General Roland Michener. His favorite post that he sought and attained was as Military Attaché to the former Yugoslavia (now Serbia) and to Greece in 1972-1974. By the late 70’s he took the position of Director of Strategic Affairs at the National Defense College in Kingston. He finished out his career with National Defense in Ottawa. After that, he worked for a time with Transport Canada before finally retiring for good and taking up his house-wifely duties, allowing his wife to pursue her hobbies.

The family would like the thank the staff of the Élisabeth Bruyère Hospital for the wonderful personal care Michael received during his final days. Also a special thank you to Elvie and Jack Drummond and Mary and Dave Small for their support and kindness. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, masses can be offered for Michael at St. Elizabeth Parish, 1303 Leaside Ave, Ottawa, (613) 725-2242. Family and friends may leave condolences online on the Tribute wall for Tubman Funeral Home: https://www.tubmanfuneralhomes.