Funeral ceremonies for Stanisław Tym. Artist was laid to rest at Warsaw's Powązki Military Cemetery

On Tuesday, at the Powązki Military Cemetery in Warsaw, a ceremony was held to honor Stanisław Tym. During the service, a letter from Minister of Culture and National Heritage Hanna Wróblewska was read.

"Stanisław Tym was one of those figures whose presence transformed Polish culture, making it more humane and genuine. He was a man of many talents. His works - spanning film, theater, cabaret, and literature - left a legacy that is difficult to overestimate. Each of his creations - be it a script, a stage performance, or a satirical text - conveyed truth about the world and ourselves," Wróblewska wrote.

The Minister highlighted that Tym was "a man of exceptional moral strength."

"He had the courage to speak the truth at times when silence seemed safer. His satire was an act of bravery. His creativity - an act of independence. He never feared being himself, standing up for what he believed in. We will also remember him as a warm, extraordinarily modest man," she emphasized.

Wróblewska added that Stanisław Tym "was an example of how a true artist not only creates but inspires."

"Today, as we bid farewell to Stanisław Tym, we wish to thank him for everything he left behind. For the laughter and reflection, for his courage and truth, for helping us understand the world and ourselves through his art," the minister concluded.

Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski also sent a letter, which was read during the funeral.

"The passing of Stanisław Tym marks the end of an era. For decades, he shaped the sense of humor of Poles. No one lifted our spirits in the bleak and depressing times of the PRL like he did. Even when things weren’t cheerful, he gave us plenty of reasons to smile. The films of Chęciński, Piwowski, and Bareja would not have become cultural icons without Stanisław Tym. To this day, we watch them with smiles and sentiment, catching their subtexts and appreciating their punchlines - a great credit to him," Trzaskowski wrote.

He recalled Tym's nearly two-decade contribution as a columnist for Polityka and earlier writings for Rzeczpospolita, Wprost, Tygodnik Kulturalny, and Literatura, where Tym debuted as a columnist in 1972.

"He described Poland with sensitivity and humor, unafraid of being sharp and pointing out daily absurdities. His columns were complemented by his drawings - caricatures of our reality that painfully exposed its flaws and deficiencies. He advocated for common sense and fundamental honesty, engaged in public affairs, and never hesitated to speak out," Trzaskowski noted.

"The laughter he gave us in an unparalleled way helped restore the proper dimensions to concepts and actions. He was a symbol of true empathy and selflessness," the mayor of Warsaw emphasized.

During the funeral ceremonies for Stanisław Tym, his friend, actor Wiktor Zborowski, delivered a heartfelt farewell, recalling their deep bond and Tym's lasting influence.

"Good morning, good evening, good night. That’s how Stasio always greeted me when we called each other. And in recent years, we called very often," Zborowski began.

He shared an anecdote about almost being fellow alumni of the State Higher School of Theatre in Warsaw, a fate narrowly missed by Tym. "Unfortunately, that venerable 'factory of Melpomene's lovers' did not recognize Stasio’s talents," Zborowski remarked humorously.

The actor reflected on Tym's "two universities" - the Student Satirical Theatre (STS) and Jerzy Dobrowolski, both of which profoundly shaped his artistic journey. Zborowski highlighted Tym's multifaceted talents, listing his contributions to literature, film, theater, and music: "He wrote books, scripts, columns, phenomenal sketches, songs, jokes, and plays. He directed films and theatrical productions, performed in all of them, and left behind a library of nearly four thousand books. Each one different, as he loved to emphasize."

Zborowski credited Tym with teaching generations "what to laugh at, what not to laugh at, and what must be ridiculed." His "lectures," Zborowski said, were always packed, testament to his unique ability to attract and captivate audiences.

He also praised Tym's extraordinary skill with the harmonica: "As Major Kucejko would say, he perfected the art of playing the harmonica to perfidious levels." Zborowski fondly remembered receiving harmonica renditions from Tym - Christmas carols, patriotic songs, and traditional melodies.

As a tribute, Zborowski played the carol Silent Night (Wśród nocnej ciszy) on a wooden harmonica he bought in Piaseczno, acknowledging that he had never played anything for Tym before.

"At the end, I must say how immensely grateful I am to you, Stasio, for your wise presence in my life and for the privilege of knowing you," Zborowski said emotionally.

Concluding his eulogy, Zborowski offered a poignant image: "If there is something beyond, and I cannot rule it out, I hope the first thing you hear as you approach the gates of heaven will be the joyful barking of your dogs welcoming you."

He ended with the heartfelt words: "I love you, Stasio, and I will remember you."