Lou Kazowski excelled in business and loved hockey

Developer built a successful career in Peterborough

Lou Kazowski’s first love was hockey.

The local developer, a former Peterborough Pete, died Monday at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre surrounded by family. He was 78.

The successful businessman developed multiple properties and partnered in numerous restaurants during his time in Peterborough, while also giving back to the community.

Mr. Kazowski moved from Manitoba to Peterborough at 19 to play for the Jr. A TPT Petes Hockey Club in the OHL.

He played with the Petes from 1960-61, meeting his wife, Beverly Burns, in the city. The couple eventually had two girls, Sherri and Patti.

Mr. Kazowski went on to play on 12 teams in seven leagues during his decade-long career, including the AHL, IHL, and

WHL.

While playing hockey, he also pursued real estate, primarily development.

His keen sense for development was instrumental in purchasing major corner properties. In the mid-1970s, Mr. Kazowski launched his own business, aptly named Prime Site Developments.

He developed Baskin Robins, Parkway Place and the Bell building downtown, for example.

Earlier on, the father of two opened owned Lou’s Trophy Shop, selling trophies, club jackets and crests.

He also partnered with Rick and Gary Green on several restaurant endeavors, such as Greenies and O’Mallys.

Aside from successful careers in business and hockey, Mr. Kazowski was also a community man.

He held several Christmas parties at the library for underprivileged kids, sponsored many local sports clubs, and founded the city’s midget showcase tournament.

He’d often help others without wanting any recognition.

“There’s numerous times he helped people out that nobody knew about,” said Ralph Oakley, his son-in-law of 31 years.

Sherri said she thinks her father chose to give back simply because he could.

“He felt really fortunate with the life he had made for himself and our family. His upbringing was a bit difficult,” she said.

His eldest daughter described her dad as “feisty, hardworking and a smart business man.”

In fact, he was so shrewd in business, Sherri thinks he was often misunderstood.

“I think people saw that he was caring and generous, but in business, he was all business,” she said.

Mr. Kazowski combined his love of hockey and business when he bought the Kingston Canadians (later Raiders, now Frontenacs) in 1987. He sold the team two years later.

He also founded the OHL’s Owen Sound franchise.

“Hockey was a big part of his life – he loved the game,” Oakley said.

In his later years, Mr. Kazowski enjoyed watching his grandsons play competitive hockey, often travelling to see games.

“He was really proud of my boys,” Sherri said.

Mr. Kazowski moved away from Peterborough for about 20 years, and officially retired from real estate in the summer.

In September, he moved back to Peterborough and into a seniors’ residence.

He told his family Peterborough was “home.”

Mr. Kazowski is survived by his daughters, Oakley, five grandkids and special family friend Ken Hynes.

A private service will be held for family.