John KOZAK

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KOZAK: With his daughters at his side, John Kozak passed away peacefully at the Assiniboine Centre on Sunday, October 30, 2016 at the age of 98. John was born on June 17, 1918 in Elma, Manitoba, the son of Jakim and Julia Kozak. He was the last survivor of six brothers and one sister. After achieving a Grade 8 education he worked as a farmhand before going to Red Lake, Ontario where he worked cutting firewood. He then went underground in a Northern Ontario goldmine. At the age of 23 he started farming in Carberry, Manitoba before purchasing the farm 3 1/2 miles south of Brandon on highway 10 in 1946. On February 5, 1955 he married Mary Kazmerik. Together they worked a mixed farm and raised two daughters. Farming and family were his life. He was self taught and multi-talented. Dad was a very independent and self sufficient man. He took pride in having built the family home, repairing and modifying machinery using his own creativity. We both own a roaster where a hole on the bottom has been repaired with a rivet. Dad was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He always made or found time for friends and family. He recently hosted Thanksgiving with his family. After farming his land for 53 years he retired at the age 81 in October 1999. He and Mary moved to a brand new house in Brandon were they were able to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle and make a new home. Following her passing in 2005, his leisure time was spent driving to meet his friends for coffee at McDonalds and enjoying hours of television watching The Young and the Restless, game shows, Dr. Phil and especially keeping informed with world news. This lifestyle allowed him to live in his own home until his passing. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary of 50 years in 2005, his sister Anne Iwanicki and his brothers Fred, Mike, Harry, Peter, Steve and Phillip. John will be lovingly remembered by his daughters Beverley (Jim) Renwick, Dale (Mark) Richards; grandchildren Clinton (Rebecca) Corley, Brynn (Jared) Lloyd, Krista Renwick and great grand children Logan, Mason and Parker Corley and Julia and Kailey Lloyd. He is also survived by his in laws Alice Kozak, Lena Grasky, John Kazmerik, Paulina (Tony) Antoniuk, Kathleen Kazmerik and many nieces and nephews. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 927 Assiniboine Avenue on Saturday, November 5, 2016 (TODAY) at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Emil Kardasinec as Celebrant. Cantor, Stella Fedeniuk, Cross Bearer, Mike Kozak and Reader - Krista Renwick. Pallbearers will be Clint Corley, Brynn Lloyd, Krista Renwick, Jerry Kozak, Brian Kazmerik and Don Grasky. A reception will follow at the Ukrainian Reading Association Hall. The Graveside Ceremony will take place at the Riverside Cemetery, Neepawa at 2:00 p.m. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of John may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, #3 - 2430 Victoria Avenue, Brandon, Manitoba R7B 0M5. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com.

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 05, 2016