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The chair of the Okanagan College Foundation is launching a book next month with the hope that it will benefit the community around her.
Connie Denesiuk wrote a book titled ‘Til Papa Returns: Surviving as a Child Refugee in WWII Germany, based on the true story of her father, Alfred Columbus.
“This is a story of courage, resiliency, determination, and above all, hope,” Denesiuk explains.
As the youngest of eight children, Columbus was learning how to farm the land their family had worked for more than 200 years, following advice and guidance from his father, when the Second World War changed everything for the family.
They had to adapt, as the food they produced was requisitioned by the government.
Evacuated with his mother to an unfamiliar city, the 10-year-old quickly transformed to his new role of family provider, capitalizing on any possible source of food to keep his mother, and the refugees with whom they were housed, from starving.
He later came to Canada to pursue his dreams.
“My sister and I grew up hearing Dad’s stories, the trials and triumphs of his young life,” Denesiuk says. “As Dad approached his 80s, I felt compelled to write down a collection of his remarkable stories and cobble them together.”
“For several years, I took whatever opportunities I could to sit with Dad, ask him questions and capture his memories onto paper.”
Denesiuk adds that even though ALS made speech incredibly difficult for him, he continued to provide bits of detail, chuckling as he re-lived his more humorous moments.
She was inspired to use her father’s story to support learning and education, which are close to her heart.
Denesiuk has been involved in the education sector for most of her life, having served as a school trustee, OC governor and board member of OC Foundation.
She’s also completed her Master of Arts in leadership, which she says proves learning is ageless.
For every purchase of the book, Denesiuk has committed $10 for student bursaries at OC.
“Accessibility to post-secondary learning is crucially important for people as they reach for their dreams,” Denesiuk says.
The book launch is scheduled for April 4 from 4:30 to 6 pm in the Community Hall of OC’s Penticton campus.
While registration is required, tickets are free and available online.
“This is touching on so many levels,” says Helen Jackman, the executive director of the OC Foundation.
“Not least that Alfred’s remarkable story will now impact newcomers to Canada who are working to improve their own lives through education.”
Copies of ‘Til Papa Returns can be purchased by contacting Denesiuk at cdenesiukauthor@gmail.com.
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