Tadeusz and Halina Phillips Filipowicz

Eulogy from Marek at the funeral: DAD, TAD, DZIADEK, TADEUSZ PHILLIPS FILIPOWICZ Dad was known by many names to different people, but to all who knew him, he was a true Gentleman. He was kind, generous, charming and witty, often quoting jokes, some were actually quite funny. He made friends easily, was an excellent speaker and social entertainer – or “raconteur”. His charm and wit were infectious to those around him, always drawing admiration and the odd chuckle. He was quick to help anyone in need, and was a very proud custodian of Polish culture and his heritage – more about that later. I remember back in 1966, I was just 4 years old, dad was 30. I broke my leg up in the mountains, and over the next few weeks dad would carry me everywhere – no wheelchair or any walking aids, just dad looking after me 100% of the time. More recently we were going for a walk on the seafront with Holly. All wrapped up in his wheelchair It was a nice sunny day, but a bit windy. Holly said “dziadek, it’s a bit windy on the seafront” he immediately replied “do you want my blanket”? Many of you will have heard something about his incredible life journey. During the years of WW2 from the cold barren Siberia when he was just 4 years old, to the hot dry camp in Tanzania at age 8. There are many stories about his journey, eventually arriving in Liverpool in 1952 aged 16. In London he met and married mum, and we were born soon after. He started his professional career in printing and publishing in the Polish community – which brought him much joy and professional recognition. Kris: Recognition, awards, accolades I would like to mention here some of the Recognition, awards, and accolades that Dad received during his lifetime, and why. 1988 (Age 52) awarded the Golden Cross of Merit from Republic of Poland, awarded by the Prime Minister, for merits in Publishing work. It is a high-ranking Polish state decoration rewarding individuals who perform exceptional public service, or achievements going beyond standard expectations for the state and society. 1990 awarded the Knights Cross of the restitution of Poland (Polonia Restituta) in recognition for services in Printing and Publishing, awarded by the President of the Republic of Poland. The Knight's Cross, or Krzyż Kawalerski) is the Order of the Reconstitution/Restoration of Poland, which is Poland's second-highest civilian state award (UK equivalent is the MBE). 1994 became President of Hove Rotary Club, (Joined in 1978), Awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship for outstanding contribution. High accolade from a very British institution, to a proud Pole – or “Tad the Pole”, as they affectionally called him. 2009 (Age 73) awarded the Pro Memoria medal from the office for war veterans and victims of repression. For outstanding contributions to preserving the memory of people and their deeds in the fight for Poland’s independence. Tadeusz Filipowicz belonged to a generation that for decades maintained the institutional foundations of Polish émigré life. He was neither a politician nor a writer. He was a printer and publisher—a profession seemingly technical, but in reality, fundamental to the survival of culture. In one of his later memoirs about "Dziennik Polski," he recalled that practically from the very beginning of the newspaper's existence, there had been voices predicting its imminent demise. But he said "it will exist for years to come. As always: at least ten." Today, this remark can be interpreted more broadly. It wasn't just about the newspaper. It was about the belief that cultural institutions survive as long as there are people willing to dedicate their time, expertise, and daily work to them. Tadeusz Filipowicz was one of such people.