Lech S Papiez
March 12, 1950 ~ April 15, 2016
Lech Stanisław Papież passed away peacefully in Mooresville, Indiana on April 15, 2016 at the age of 66.
Lech is survived by his mother, Eugenia Papież of Sosnowiec, Poland; his wife, Ewa Papież of Mooresville, Indiana; his daughter, Maja Murphy of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania; his son, Adam Papież of Poznań, Poland; and his sister Ewa Wejmann of Buk, Poland. He is preceded in death by his father, Stanisław Papież of Sosnowiec, Poland.
Lech was born on March 12, 1950 in Sosnowiec, Poland. He studied at the Uniwersytet Śląski Instytut Fizyki in Katowice Poland and earned a PhD in theoretical physics. He married Ewa Popiołek in 1977. After the birth of their first child, Maja, he moved to Dublin, Ireland on a research fellowship at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, School of Theoretical Physics. In 1984, he moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada where his son, Adam was born. His children remember him as a loving, brilliant and compassionate father who encouraged them to pursue their goals.
Lech’s family moved a few more times before settling in Indiana. Lech devoted his life to cancer research and pursued his life’s work at Indiana University School of Medicine in the Department of Radiation Oncology. He was a prominent researcher, professor, patent holder and extensively published medical physicist. He was instrumental in designing an extremely effective radiation treatment for early-stage lung cancer saving over 3,000 lives a year. Lech was a witty individual who loved skiing, swimming, winning chess games and ballroom dancing. He served as the historian for the Indiana Polish Cultural Society in his spare time. He was a lifelong student, passionate teacher and everyone who knew him enjoyed his stimulating, intellectual conversations.
A funeral is scheduled for Saturday April 23, 2016 at noon at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Mooresville, Indiana with a reception following the service at the church. Family and friends will gather in the chapel at Carlisle-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory in Mooresville from 10:30 am until 11:30 am on Saturday. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Lech’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org/index or to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration at https://theaftd.givezooks.com/grassroots_fundraisers/running-for-ftd-research. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory with Lech’s family and view his Life Tribute video.
The family would like to thank Lech’s caregivers at Worthington Place for their kind care and dedication.
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Our condolences to all of you. My favorite memory was when he Waltzed with you at your wedding, Maja! Lot’s of love, Abbey
Lech was a good man, husband and father. His friends and colleagues held him in the highest regard. He will be sorely missed also by his scientific community. He was recognized as the most outstanding mathematical physicist in the world working in radiation therapy medicine and his considerable scientific legacy will live on through the product of his many mathematical and other publications at the forefront of his discipline.I am more than proud to have had the opportunity to enjoy learning from him during our years of collaboration. Thank you for your work Lech and the fond memories I have of the laughter we shared outside of it. Będziesz żyć wiecznie
I met Lech at his IU office in 1996. I felt as though I had made a new friend. In 1998 Higinia and I moved into a neighborhood where surprisingly, Lech and the family also lived. It was wonderful to get to know them all and soon Lech, Ewa and I became a sailing crew. Those outings were always great fun. When they planned to move to Dallas they urged me to consider a position at IU to help fill the void they left. I was always impressed with Lech’s contribution to medical physics. We enjoyed spending New Years Eve parties with the Polish Society. He was gentle, funny and genuine. I will always remember him fondly.
Lech taught me about SBRT physics when I joined IU in 2004. He was one of the kindest and most patient teachers. It’s my honour to have known him and have been his colleague. He’ll always be remembered fondly.
My first memories of Leszek are from the Physics Summer camp almost 40 years ago, where he was one of the youngest and most tallented participants. Then, we renewed our friendship thirty years later when Leszek and Ewa lived for few years in Dallas. They quickly became the fillars of our Polish community there. We were so sad when they moved back to Indiana and now with Leszek passing. Prepare a room for us on another side! Jadwiga & Waldek
So sorry for your loss Ewa. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Wilma Sage
It was in 1991 when we met in Indy. Lech gave me an impression of being a gentle person, a scholar and a man who enjoys life. We became family friends very quickly. When Lech, Ewa and Li-Fen were not talking about radiation oncology, we would discuss life, sailing, kids, and occasionally academic politics. He was always knowledgeable, engaging and thoughtful. I enjoyed the time we spent together as much as David, Adam and Joey did theirs. Since we moved away we have seen him only once in the past ten years. However, we always remember Lech, Ewa, Maja and Adam fondly. The family lost a loving husband and father. We have lost a wonderful friend, a creative mind, a insightful research and a beautiful person! Rest in peace, Lech. You will forever lives in our hearts.
I am forever blessed to have had Lech in my life. He was a brilliant physicist and a witty, gentle soul with eyes that smile. Lech was blessed to have Ewa, the most loving and devoted caregiver I have ever witnessed. Thanks to Lech for his always unique perceptions and his beautiful imagination. Thanks to Ewa for her inspiring demonstrations of love.
Kochana Ewuniu, Cala Rodzinko, Przyjmijcie od nas najglebsze wyrazy wspolczucia. W osobie Leszka stracilismy przede wszystkim wspanialego czlowieka, doskonalego kompana., swietnego fizyka. Leszku , na zawsze pozostaniesz w naszych sercach i w pamieci! Odpoczywaj w spokoju.! Ewuniu tulimy Cie I calujemy , laczac sie z Toba naszymi sercami i myslami. Marysia i Romek Gajewscy
My Father once told me it should be our life’s goal to leave the world a better place than the way we found it. Lech certainly accomplished this in his distinguished career serving others. Always the Gentleman, my lasting image of Lech will be dancing with his lovely daughter Maja at her wedding to our son, Peter. Jim and Barbara
Ewa, Lech was an amazing person with the depth of knowledge surpassing many around him. While at Purdue, at George Sandison’s encouragement, I was privileged to go to Indianapolis to have Lech as one of my graduate school advisers. He was a theoretical physics jewel which we had in medical physics. He also had a wisdom of an intellectual who lived on both sides of the Iron Curtain and who could contemplate things from different perspectives. Both you and Lech were given to hospitality and by that many, including myself, were tremendously blessed. I am so sorry for your loss. May the Lord give you His measure of grace in these trying and lonely times. Sergei Spirydovich
Ostatni raz bylismy razem na WIMP (Winter Institute of Medical Physics) w 2012 roku. Pamietamy duskusje o Polsce przy herbatce i jazde na nartach na Cooper Mountain. Na nas wszystkich przyjdzie ten czas ale dla Leszka przyszedl za wczesnie. Smutno nam! Grazyna i Jacek Wierzbiccy
Amazing person, scientist, friend who contributed to preserving thousands of human lives by curing many cancers through his relentless pursuit of understanding principles of nuclear physics and cancer biology. I want to thank him in the name of survivors and physicians oncologists who now have more options to help their suffering patients. HE TRULLY WAS E PLURIBUS UNUM. Ewa Kwasniak Stewart, M.D. Pediatrician in Garland Tx.
What an amazing man. It was an honor to help care for him. He will be greatly missed.
We know Leszek for a long time when he was a Ph.D student at the Silesian University. He was our close friend and the best man at our wedding. He was a nice, intelligent, cheerful and well-liked man. We spent many fun evenings with him discussing various topics, partying and dancing. We believe that some day this time will return and we will reunite. Lech was such a great person; he will live on in our memories forever. We are sorry for your loss. Please accept our heartfelt condolences for his lovely wife Eve, daughter Maja with the family and the son of Adam.
Condolences to the Papiez family with special thoughts going to Eva. Cathy Orosz
Pete and I were very fortunate to have had them as our neighbors when they moved to the Dallas area. We spent many a happy evening sitting on their patio overlooking the lake. Lech was such a beautiful and gentle person. Our prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
With his impressive scientific accomplishments and a variety of talents and interests, Lech truly was a contemporary “Renaissance man”. Being around Lech was a feast for the soul. Andrzej and I loved to talk history with Lech. We were fascinated by his wealth of historical knowledge. Lech loved to share it by arguing historical events with friends and giving history lectures to different groups. Lech was a self-thought dance master. Lech and Ewa were always complimented by friends and strangers alike for their amazing dance skills which came to them naturally as they never took dance lessons. When Lech’s ability to communicate became affected by the disease we were able to engage him by asking questions which could be handled with concise answers, such as key Polish history dates, and who defeated whom in a given battle. His eyes would light up and with no hesitation Lech would say: “battle of Cedynia – 972!” It was an enriching experience to see Lech and Ewa’s love and devotion to each other flourish in the hardest of circumstances. Lech, it was an honor for us to have known you. We will miss you tremendously. Ewa, we join you in your profound sorrow. Ewa and Andrzej Orlik
Kochana Rodzino zza Oceanu, łączymy się z Wami w blu i żałobie po śmierci mego kochanego brata Leszka a także syna,szwagra,wujka i kuzyna, pozostaniesz na zawsze w naszych sercach i pamięci. Spoczywaj w Bogu Kochany Braciszku Siostra Ewa z rodzina z Polski
Lech passed away a few days ago. These news made me very sad. Our friendship began 45 years ago, when we shared a modest office in the Institute of Physics, Silesian University, as young and promising physicists. Life was not easy those days, but we all have managed somehow, going through the rites of passage (graduating from the University, working on our Ph.D’s, getting married, having kids…) Leszek was always a little different from the rest of our crowd. While we sometimes got bogged down in challenges of daily grind, he managed to keep his distance from the life’s flotsam and jetsam, reacting to adversities with dry wit and ironic smile. His cup of tea was somewhere else – in the land of abstract ideas and advanced mathematics. But he always was fun to be with, and I cherish the memories of our long discussions on really important topics (that I no longer remember). Our paths diverged when he got a research fellowship in Ireland and left for Dublin with his wife, Ewa, and a young daughter, Maja. If, at that time, someone would have told me what was going to happen to us during the next 30 years, I wouldn’t even have laughed – it would have been beyond the horizon of Kafkaesque absurd… But happen it did and we reconnected in the mid 90’s when we all found ourselves living in America in working in medical physics specialties far removed from molecular physics of Silesian University – Lech and Ewa in radiation therapy, and me in diagnostic imaging. Despite long time gap, we reconnected easily and comfortably – it felt like we’ve just seen each other yesterday and were picking up a conversation we suspended momentarily. Thus, I found myself a recipient of a rare gift of friendship that, while comfortably informal, survives for a lifetime and remains strong no matter what life brings. For that, I will always be deeply grateful to both Lech and Ewa. Neuroscientists tell us our brains build for us our own world in which we live, having a unique perspective on the nature around us and accumulating experiences, memories, feeling, and innumerable other tidbits of existence. That world dies with us. Goodbye, Leszek. While your world has come to an end, you will remain in mine until, one day it will end, too – as it must. Non omnis moriar Wlad
I met Lech during the annual meeting of Polish Cultural Society of Indiana in 1999 or 2000. We struck conversation about physics and it’s use in radiation therapy. He seemed to me like an intellectual person and so every time I had a chance to meet him we would have a conversation on many different subjects. I liked to be around him during PCSI’s gatherings and private parties. I will miss him. It was hard to watch him decline in his mental state. I am sad he is not with us anymore. Maciej Kedziora
Lech was a really good guy, I did not know him very long however he did make me smile when I would walk into his room and he would smile and beat his chest. Although I met him near the end of his journey he seemed to be a VERY NICE and intelligent guy. Lech will be missed but not forgotten. My prayers and condolence to the family and friends.
We met Leszek and his family during our short two-year stay in Winnipeg when we arrived as fresh immigrants in the late 80-ties. He and Ewa had many friends and enjoyed an aura of being happy, easy going, very friendly and helpful people. At that time we met quite regularly in sometimes large and other times smaller circle of friends. Our sons and their children liked each other and played together. Every time we met for a dinner, party, weekend trips or vacation there was this very unique opportunity to find Leszek as a source of wisdom, instigator and the leading partner of one of the most interesting and stimulating, intellectually charged discussions I have ever had in my life. He was a brilliant mind in his profession but also well read on many subjects, he had very well researched and thought-out views on society, politics and everything else; he was always full of life, incredibly witty and with a great, sometimes sarcastic sense of humor. His smile, inviting composure, a great passion for logic and truth, as well as past experience made these exchanges memorable. Over the years we still met many times when we were nearly neighbors: they in Indiana, we in Michigan and even in Seattle on one of their frequent trips around the country. Spending time with Leszek and his family was always a great treat. He will be greatly missed but will stay in our thoughts and prayers forever.
I am fortunate to have had Lech as my mentor and close friend. His great warmth, superb talents, broad knowledge and the sense of humor had touched so many of us. My family and I will forever treasure those wonderful memories
As a dosimetrist at Indiana University I was privileged to work with Lech, and also Ewa, for a number of years. He was my boss, but also a colleague who regarded everyone with respect. I admire his creativity and contributions to the field of medical physics and radiation oncology. I am sending prayers for his family through this difficult time. Marvene Ewing
So sad to hear of Lech’s passing. I enjoyed so much working with both Lech and Ewa at UTSW. He is a brilliant man and will be greatly missed. Ewa – You are in my thoughts a prayers.
Hi Ewa, I am so sorry to hear the news of Lech’s passing. I am really grateful for all that Lech taught me about radiation physics. I couldn’t have passed the board exam without his help. My sincere condolences to you and your family. May God comfort you and your family. Hope to see you again soon. Pam Lee
Lech was not just a co-worker, a mentor, and a big brother, he was a good husband and father; my hearts is broken for your loss. I will forever remember your sincerity, your honesty, your humor and your ever contagious smile. You always made me feel welcomed despite me and my family’s frequent unannounced visits. No matter how busy you were, you would let Matthew play with your beard and watch him so Irene could have a much needed break to keep her sanity. The memories we shared in London, Ontario will be cherished always. Thank you so much, Lech, for generously sharing your knowledge. I would not be the dosimetrist I am today without your guidance and teaching. It comforts me to know that we will meet again in Heaven. You are now in a better place, with no more pain or suffering. We love you Lech and you will be greatly missed, Irene & Joel Ho
„… każdy nowy dzień zaczyna się głęboką nocą…” Kochana Ewo Z wielkim smutkiem przyjęliśmy wiadomość o odejściu Leszka. Bardzo Ci wspłczujemy, ale też wspominamy nasze wsplnie przeżyte piękne chwile. Nasz fantastyczny rejs po Jeziorach Mazurskich, związane z nim przygody – wyciąganie łdki na brzeg, utopione okulary i tę niesamowitą nocną burzę. Pamiętamy nasze pźniejsze spotkania. Szkoda, że niezbyt częste, ale zawsze sympatyczne, z ciekawą rozmową i inspirującą wymianą poglądw. Leszek na zawsze pozostanie w naszej serdecznej pamięci Ewa i Leszek
Ewa, I’m so sorry to hear this news. Chuck Bloch
Dear Ciocia Ewa, please accept my deepest condolences. I was so sorry to hear that Wujek Leszek had passed. I remember him best from my four years as an undergraduate at DePauw University, when your home in Indianapolis was such a welcome place to stop when one or both of my parents were in town. I am sorry to never have had the opportunity to know him well, but it’s a beautiful thing to read the remembrances that people who were close to him have shared. To be remembered by so many for your brilliant mind, kind heart, and generous spirit, for a life well lived and a job well done…we should all be so fortunate. May the Lord bless you and keep you, and give you peace. Love, Ania
It is an honor and a privilege to have known and learned from Lech during my Radiation Oncology residency at Indiana University. He will always be remembered for being a gifted and brilliant physicist and as an extremely approachable, kind and patient teacher who had a passion for the science, his students and patients. He was instrumental in the development of the stereotactic treatment program and I feel fortunate to have worked with him and learned from him. My thoughts and prayers are with Ewa and the family in this difficult time. Achilles J. Fakiris
We were blessed to have had Leszek and Ewa in our lives when they lived in Dallas, where we still are. Being their friends, we enjoyed spending time together talking about medical care and research we shared at UT Southwestern Medical Center. In addition to being fully devoted to patient care and teaching, Leszek was very involved in many events organized by our Polish church and Polish organizations in Dallas. When Leszek moved back to Indiana, the whole Polish community missed his presence, skills and spirit. At that time, we said in Polish ‘DO WIDZENIA’ (‘SEE YOU SOON’) expecting we would see Leszek often and for a long time. However, that was not to be. And now, He is not among us anymore. He lives, however, still in our hearts. Sooner or later we may meet again in the Other World. But before that, Leszek’s friends in Dallas will commemorate Him and His life by having a mass at our Polish Church dedicated to Saint Peter, on May 7 at 6 pm. Please, Ewa, Maja and Adam, accept our sincere condolences. We are so sorry for Your loss. Sincerely, Leokadia and Wojciech Kedzierscy
Lech was a special person. Uniquely calm and humble despite of all the knowledge he possessed. I was blessed to have met him and spent some time at his and Ewa’s house. May the light of God shine on you forever Lech. You are remembered. – Maciej Kaszynski with family
Kochani Ewo, Maju, Adasiu i wnuczęta W imieniu nas wszystkich tutaj, rodziny bliższej i dalszej w Polsce, składam Wam najszczersze kondolencje w związku z odejściem Leszka. Pozostanie w naszej życzliwej pamięci. Wojtek
‘U stop Krzyza, Matka stala. Zgieta w bolu, We lzach cala. A na Krzyzu, Syn …..’ http://youtu.be/q9dnqufIVbY Ewo, Jestem z Wami. Myslami. W Modlitwie ….. Janusz W. Bykowski
Z ogromnym smutkiem przyjęliśmy wiadomość o śmierci Leszka. Pamiętamy, że zawsze był osobą życzliwą, uśmiechniętą, przyjacielską i pomocną. Będzie nam Go brakowało. Tobie Ewo, Twoim Dzieciom i Wnuczętom przekazujemy wyrazy szczerego wspłczucia i żalu. Włodek i Elżbieta Jabłońscy. Czeladź, dnia 23 kwietnia 2016 r.
Dear Ewa, We are deeply saddened by the loss of your husband Lech. Please do not hesitate to reach out during this difficult time. Dr. Andrzej and Mrs. Teodozja Korzeniowski
Dear Ewa, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Even though I only worked with you for a short time, I really appreciate all that you and Lech taught me. You were both always willing to answer questions and patient. I also appreciate how nicely you treated my family when we came to your house for the department party. You will be in our prayers. Josh Haslam
Ewo, wyrazy wspłczucia dla Ciebie i Rodziny, bardzo smutna wiadomość. Grażyna Kosicka, Poznań
Ewa Papiez was added to the Family Tree.
Adam Patrick Papiez was added to the Family Tree.
Maja Aleksandra Murphy was added to the Family Tree.
Z żalem przyjęliśmy wiadomość o śmierci Leszka. Choć dzieliła nas odległość, to jednak nasze sporadyczne spotkania z Leszkiem były ciepłe i inspirowały ciekawą dyskusję. Jego uśmiechnięta twarz na zawsze pozostanie w naszej pamięci. Łączymy się w blu z całą Waszą Rodziną, Jola, ciocia Ula i Radek Bursztynowscy
Dear Eva, All of us in London, Ontario were shocked by this sad news. I remember Lech as an incredibly talented smiling enthusiastic scientist with impeccable mathematical ability. We recall the wonderful years that you both spent with us working in Canada. We have published scientific papers together and he will be forever be etched into the saddest corners of my memory. May you have the strength to carry on, Eva, knowing that he was loved by all whom he met. Sincerely, Jerry Battista London, Canada