About This Memory Space
This page was created for Christian B. Gecewicz's family and friends as a place to remember them, to share stories, and to keep their memory close in everyday life.
It is cared for and added to over time by the people who knew them, and everyone is invited to contribute, whether that is a story, a photo, a few words, or a simple note.
Many families visit places like this not just once, but again and again, especially on quiet days or meaningful anniversaries. This page is here for those moments, wherever you are.
A place to return to when you want to feel close again, to remember a moment, or to leave a few words for others to read. Over time, it grows through the voices of everyone who knew and loved them.
Light a Candle Growing
Light a candle to honor Christian B. Gecewicz's memory. Each lighting keeps their memory burning bright for 23 hours.
Candle lit burns 23 hours. Come back and light it again after 23 hours to keep the memory burning.
Limited to 5 lightings per hour to prevent abuse.
Memory Wall Growing
Stories, photos, and memories shared by people who knew Christian B. Gecewicz. This is the heart of this space—a collection that grows as more people contribute.
No memories posted yet. Be the first to share a story or memory.
Life & Legacy
Christian B. Gecewicz crafted a vibrant life of global exploration, linguistic mastery, and unwavering passion for teaching, leaving an indelible mark on students, businesses, and fellow hockey devotees across continents.
Born in Marseilles, France, to Polish immigrants Edouarda (Edda) Musial-Leczinska and Jean Gecewicz shortly after World War II, Christian's early years unfolded amid post-war renewal. By age four, his family relocated to Québec City, Canada, where he embraced the ice as a young hockey goalie. At 17, his adventures escalated with travels and residences across South America, immersing himself in Spanish while instructing French, coaching girls' basketball in Colombia, leading self-defense sessions in Ecuador, and even performing as a cabaret singer. In 1972, he arrived in the United States, pursuing higher education with a Bachelor of Arts from IUPUI and advanced studies in French linguistics at IU-Bloomington. Lifelong wanderlust drew him back to Europe multiple times and on Panama Canal cruises thrice, with a final Alaskan voyage sparking unexpected awe at towering icebergs.
Teaching foreign languages ignited Christian's deepest fulfillment, a pursuit he championed across esteemed institutions like DePauw University, IUPUI, and IU-Bloomington. Beyond academia, he offered tailored private lessons and corporate training for Indiana professionals eyeing international growth. A highlight was guiding English proficiency and cultural acclimation for foreign players on local semi-pro hockey squads. In 1978, alongside his wife, he founded the International Bureau of Translations, Inc., a venture that thrived for 46 years, handling 64 languages to empower Hoosier companies in global markets.
Family & Loved Ones
Cherished moments with his wife of 51 years, Demetria Marcella (Groce), and their son Christopher in California formed the joyful core of Christian's days, blending steadfast partnership with paternal pride. His enthusiasm for the Montreal Canadiens fueled family rituals around collecting pucks, cards, and sticks, while shared travels wove enduring threads of discovery into their bond. Preceded by his parents and sister Lydia Chencinska, Christian's home radiated the quiet strength of a man who prioritized connection above all.
Remembered by Friends & Family
Echoes from acquaintances and admirers capture Christian's essence as a worldly mentor whose linguistic gifts and spirited zeal bridged cultures and rink sides alike.