Event to celebrate life of Joseph Pohorly

When Joseph Pohorly, founder of Joseph’s Estate Wines, died Sept. 12, 2020 at the age of 88, it was during the height of COVID, when funeral gatherings were significantly restricted.

Katherine Reid, winemaker and longtime friend of Pohorly’s, feels it’s time to celebrate his life and his contributions to the wine industry, and is organizing an event to be held at the winery on Tuesday, March 29, from 1 to 4 p.m.

It is also appropriate to recognize his heritage, with ties to the area close to the border with Poland, says Reid, and 100 per cent of the proceeds from the event will go to humanitarian aid for Ukrainians through Lions International in Poland.

Pohorly’s parents came to Canada from Poland, she says, and he spoke both Ukrainian and Polish.

Reid says she and Pohorly spoke of their common background, which she learned more about during COVID, when she had time to do some research about her own heritage and discovered she had relatives living in Ivano-Frankivsk, the city where its airport was hit by a missile early in the Russian attacks on Ukraine.

They both talked about making trips to the area, but neither
of them made it. She still hopes to when she
retires.

Pohorly became a member of the St. Davids Lions in his later years, and after his death a small ceremony was held at the club hall. His family held a private service.

Reid expects Lions local governor Geoff Crane, from the Merritton Lions Club, and is hoping Canadian international director Al Snider, from St. Davids Lions, will be onhand to say a few words.

The event will offer the calming effect of colouring for the Ukraine, with local owner Nancy Boerse of Colour Me Happy providing the materials to colour a picture supporting Ukraine, while enjoying a glass of wine, both included in the $25 ticket price.

Sweets & Swirls Cafe will be supplying treats.

Reid has also chosen the date to ensure it will be held in March, the month to celebrate St. Joseph. 

“Needless to say, there are a few of us excited about this. We have not had something to look forward to in a long time.”

She is challenging the St. Davids Lions Club to do something similar, on behalf of Pohorly and the Niagara Lions in Niagara-
on-the-Lake to do something in memory of longtime member John Skubel, who was Polish, she says, offering to assist in any way she can. Skubel died in August, 2020, at the age of 66. He was a lifetime member of the Niagara Lions Club, and organizer of the annual Christmas tree fundraiser.

She adds she would like to see all Lions clubs find ways to help.

“People want to help Ukrainians, and this is the safest outlet I know, through Lions International, with no administration costs,” says Reid. “Lions International is usually the first on the ground to help people. This is another way to celebrate Joe, and to
help with humanitarian
relief.”

There are Lions clubs in Ukraine, she says, “but I don’t think it’s as safe to send aid there.”

Known as an outstanding member of St. Davids Lions, Pohorly had been helping the service club for years, before he finally decided to join in 2014, and even before becoming a member, he worked on various community projects, such as the Centennial Pavilion at the Lions Park, which he designed and funded.

He also helped the club by applying for grants to fund projects for the Lions, including renovating and expanding the club hall, and was generous with donations himself.

Those who are not able to attend can make a donation at the winery boutique, at 1811 Niagara Stone Road, and will receive a tax receipt, says Reid, or donate at https://www.lionscanada.ca/our-foundations