Mr. Speaker, today I join with the Polish Canadian community in mourning the passing of General Michal Gutowski, a remarkable individual who has contributed greatly to both his birth country of Poland and his adopted country of Canada.
During the second world war General Gutowski served with distinction in the Normandy campaign. He was decorated for this valour by the Polish, French and American governments.
When he arrived in Canada in 1948, he began a long relationship with the Canadian Olympic Equestrian Team. Most notably, he was the team's trainer when it won the gold medal at the Olympic Games in Mexico City in 1968.
After the death of his wife, General Gutowski returned to Poland, where he recently passed away at the age of 95. He was put to final rest in Warsaw with full military honours in a state funeral. He will be greatly missed by all.
I ask that all members of Parliament join with me in recognizing this remarkable Canadian and his significant contributions to our country.