| Andrew Kleeberg OAM, Passed away on 5th December 2010. Andrew Kleeberg was born in March 1920 in Warsaw. He was the son of Juliusz E. Kleeberg and Halina Olszynska. In year 1939, after finishing his secondary education, Andrew joined The Polish Air Force. In October 1941, while flying over Bremen, his plane was shot down. He was injured and captured by the Germans and kept as a prisoner of war until the war ended.In recognition for his bravery and achievements during the war, Andrew Kleeberg was awarded with Poland's highest war medal The Virtuti Military Cross as well as other war medals and crosses.
In 1948, together with his parents, Andrew migrated to Australia. Two years later, he decided to continue his study and begins tertiary education. During 1953-1960 Andrew joined his parents’ business and became an AMP agent in Cooma. He was also a senior executive in the local Council, involved in various organisations and played a very important role in building a TAFE College in Cooma.
In 1980, Andrew moved to Canberra where he joined the Polish Ex-Servicemen's Association, Branch No 5 and in 1982 he became The President of the Polish Ex-Servicemen’s Association in Australia. As a President he was very active in lobbying the Commonwealth Government about equity for Polish Veterans. After retirement he continued to work with various charities, including Meals on Wheels.
In 1990s he saw the need to find and store the historical records of prominent Poles and Polish Organisations in Australia so the history of Polish settlement in Australia was not lost. In 1996 he formed the Polish Historical Institute in Australia Inc.
In 1995 Andrew Kleeberg’s name was included on the Queen's Birthday Honours List for the Order of Australia, and his work for the War Veterans and Polish community was recognized.
Andrew had a long and wonderful life. We all feel fortunate to have known him. He has left us all with many great memories and he will be long remembered.
His greatest legacy however is his wonderful family which he helped create and nurture. His second greatest legacy is the establishment of the Foundation of the Polish Ex-servicemen’s Association in Australia, which is now providing financial support to the Polish community in Australia.
May the peace which comes from the wonderful memories, comfort his daughter Alicja and son Marek and all his family now and in the days ahead.
Deepest condolences from all members of the Polish Ex-Servicemen’s Association in Australia.
We will always remember you dear Andrew.
Witold (Vic) Kuczynski
National President SPK
& the Executive Committee of the Polish Ex-Servicemen’s Association in Australia Inc.
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