Obituary of William T. Kozey

A memorial folder from the funeral service may be printed under the "Memories" tab, then choose "Memorial Program". KOZEY - Mr. William (Bill) Kozey of Yorkton, formerly of the Goodeve district, beloved husband of Annie Kozey entered eternal life on April 25, 2014 surrounded by his family at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. He was 82 years of age. William was born on January 24, 1932 in the Goodeve district to his parents, Michael and Anna Kozey. He attended Stryj School for his elementary years and then Goodeve High School. He started farming with his dad on the family farm. He belonged to a local band playing the violin at weddings, school and barn dances. He was a self-taught and accomplished welder and carpenter. Many farmers in the area would bring their machinery for welding when there was a breakdown. In 1961, Bill met the love of his life, Annie Byski and they were married a year later. They farmed on the family farm until 1996 when they decided to sell the farm and retire to Yorkton in 1997. William and Annie were parishioners of Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Goodeve where William served as President for 24 years. He taught himself to cantor for the church from 1986 in Goodeve until his last days in Yorkton. His highest priority was placed on his Christian life and serving the Lord, Our Father. He held dear to his heart his family, and most of all his grandchildren, of whom he loved so much. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 51½ years of marriage Annie; daughter Sonia (Wes) Polsom, sons Michael (Susan), Stephen (Michelle) and Andrew (Anna). He is survived by eight grandchildren, sisters Olga and Sophie Kowalchuk and brother Eugene (Dianne) Kozey, as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. William is predeceased by his parents Michael and Anna Kozey; brothers-in-law Bill and Nick Kowalchuk and Michael and Ted Byski; sister-in-law Elsie Byski and mother and father-in-law Thomas and Mary Byski. A Prayer Service was held on Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton. The Funeral Service was held on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church with Very Rev. Father Mel Slashinsky officiating. The responses were led by Gerald Yaholnitsky and Parish Choir Members. The cross bearer was Donald Byski. The interment took place in Holy Ghost Parish Cemetery in Ituna with Brian Byski, Adam Polsom, Deanna Polsom, Amanda Kozey, Matthew Polsom and Wes Polsom serving as the casket bearers. Memorials honouring William's life may be made to the Holy Transfiguration Church Memorial Fund. Condolences to the family may be posted at www.baileysfuneralhome.com Xpuctoc Bockpec! Christ Is Risen! Service Information Wednesday, April 30th, 2014 7:00pm, Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church Thursday, May 1st, 2014 9:30am, Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church Interment Details Holy Ghost Parish Cemetery - Ituna