Henryk de Kwiatkowski

Henryk Richard de Kwiatowski (1924–2003) was a Polish-born RAF member who later became a successful aeronautical engineer and businessman in North America. Born in Poznań, Poland, he was captured by the Russian Army at age 15 and sent to a Siberian labor camp. After escaping, he traveled through Iran and South Africa before reaching England in 1943, where he joined the RAF until 1947.

De Kwiatowski worked in factories and self-funded his education. He emigrated to Canada in 1952, working as an engineer at Pratt & Whitney, then moved to the U.S. in 1957, founding Kwiatkowski Aircraft Ltd. and Intercontinental Aircraft Ltd., which earned him a fortune through aircraft leasing and brokering.

A noted art collector favoring Impressionists, his collection included works by Gauguin, Braque, and Monet. He also owned luxury properties, including estates in Greenwich, Connecticut, and Lyford Cay, Bahamas. De Kwiatowski became involved in polo and was a member of prestigious clubs like the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club.

In 1977, he entered thoroughbred horse racing, acquiring horses that achieved significant success, such as the Belmont Stakes winner Conquistador Cielo, syndicated for $36.4 million, and Danzig, one of North America's most successful sires. De Kwiatowski purchased Calumet Farm in Kentucky in 1992, preserving its legacy in horse racing. His contributions to the industry were recognized after his death, with Churchill Downs spokesman John Asher noting that saving Calumet Farm was a major service to the industry.