Julian Cohen Niezewski, 79

Julian Cohen Niezewski, 79, passed away on Feb. 16, 2026, in Bigfork. He was born in Katowice, Poland on Aug. 25, 1946. He is survived in death by his domestic partner, Elaine Zevenbergen of Bigfork.

He was preceded in death by his father, Roman Niezewski, and his mother, Hanna Szper Niezewski. His father was a certified public accountant and a bank auditor in the Middle East. His mother was a homemaker, a German language teacher as well as a German translator and seamstress. 

Julian lived in many countries, including Poland, Switzerland, France, Germany, Iran, Lebanon Israel and Japan, but spent most of his adult life in the United States. Julian was a disabled veteran who served in intelligence for the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia with bachelor’s degrees in political science, economics and communications, and earned a Master of Arts degree from the Annenberg School of Communication at University of Pennsylvania. He then went on to complete a Master of Fine Arts in Film at the University of Southern California.

Julian worked as a movie producer at Paramount Pictures in Hollywood for several years but spent most of his career in television production for world events, including boxing, the Olympics, baseball and UNICEF, as well as some documentaries. He was also a television consultant for the soccer federation Federale International de Football Association (FIFA) in many countries.

He had many hobbies and interests, but writing was his passion, and it gave him the greatest joy. He wrote many articles regarding his travels and politics as well as an autobiographical novel, a play and a nonfiction book regarding European history and politics. 

He also was a classically trained musician, having spent four years in Poland studying piano at a conservatory. Julian was fluent in several languages, including Polish, German, Japanese and French. He also loved cats, dogs, horses and all animals. Julian also loved being immersed in nature, particularly forests and hot springs. He also enjoyed cooking, hiking, improving his fitness, fine dining, and attending the symphony, plays, opera and other cultural events.

A celebration of life will be held at 5 p.m. at Swan River Community Hall on Saturday, May 23. This will include a potluck, music and remembrances for those wish to share about memories or stories of him. Please make any contributions to one of his favorite charities, including, Angels Among Us Equine Rescue (Kalispell), Senior Dog House and Rescue (Bigfork), Citizens for a Better Flathead (Kalispell), the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Hillsdale College and the Rutherford Institute.