Obituary of Steve Kozie

KOZIE - Our hearts are broken in a million pieces, as we sadly announce the passing of Steve Kozie, of Yorkton, SK, on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024, with his family all around him. He was 89 years old. Steve was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother.

     Steve was born in the Stornoway, SK District on November 10, 1934. He was the second of six children born to Peter and Jennie (nee Danyluk) Kozie. He received his early education at New Canadian School. As was common at the time, his help was needed on the family farm and his Iife of learning continued there.

     As a young man, Steve found the love of his life and lifelong partner, Verna Bewcyk. They were married on November 19, 1959 at St. Mary's Church in Yorkton. They started their new life on the family farm and began to raise their young family, Deborah, Murray, Glenda, and Karen. ln 1967, the family moved to Yorkton, and shortly after Sheldon arrived to make the family complete. Although Steve loved to farm, he soon entered the trucking industry, creating 2 Way Trucking. Later, he became a lease operator for Hudson Bay Transport. In this position he continued until his retirement in 1995.

     Steve had such passion for his job, in doing it well, being on the open road, and passing his knowledge on to those he met. He had been honoured with the million-mile plaque, but we are confident he drove a few million more. Steve was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, walking in nature, and just generally being outside. He was undoubtedly lucky on the hunt, with only one eye and missing 3 fingers might have been a hindrance, he could spot an animal before anyone and could make his mark.

     A competitive man at heart, a game of cards was never far away. Whether it was playing poker or rummy, the idea of trying to take your 2 bucks was exciting. Steve spent many an hour playing cards with his best friend, Emil.

     Always concerned about his appearance, he wanted a good haircut, a colorful shirt, and a nice hat. Life on the road was simple, when returning home where he could appreciate Verna's homemade soups and cooking. Steve was very proud of his family, and enjoyed spending as much time as he could with each of them. He eagerly awaited holidays that would bring him gifts, as he was still a child at heart. He loved opening presents!

     Steve was predeceased by his parents Peter and Jennie Kozie; parents in-law Bill and Eva Bewcyk; brothers John and Dan; sister Marlin Matechuk; sister in-law Carol Lindgren; and brother in-law John Kapitski; nephew Leslie Matechuk.

     He leaves to mourn his passing his beloved wife of 64 years, Verna; his sisters, Jean Kitsch of Yorkton and Irene (Merv) Protz of Red Deer, AB; sister-in-law Elaine Kozie; brother-in-law Henry Matechuk; his 5 children, Deborah (Gordon) of Prince Albert, Murray (Agnes) of Headingley, MB, Glenda (Dwayne) of Saskatoon, Karen (Brian) of Yorkton, Sheldon (Colleen) of Yorkton; his 3 granddaughters, Tania (Devin) of Kelowna, BC, Kristin (Kayle) Fyrk of Birch Hills, Brittnee Richels of Saskatoon; his 2 grandsons, Devyn (Sydney) Nixon of Yorkton, Tyson Nixon of Yorkton; his 4 great-grandsons, Koltin and Keaton Fyrk, and Jaxyn and Cadyn Nixon; as well as  many nieces, nephews, friends, and family, along with long time friend, Emil Strutynski.

An Evening Prayer Service was held on February 15, 2024 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Crystal Bailey officiating. The Eulogist was Brenda Kapitski. The Funeral Liturgy was held on February 16, 2024 from St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church with Rev. Father Basil Malowany. The responses were led by Lorne Stechyshyn and the Funeral Choir. Deborah Kozie was the Epistle Reader and Brittnee Richels was the Cross Bearer. The interment followed in the Garden of St. Luke, Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Perry Lindgren, Darryl Kozie, Kristin Fyrk, Tania Kozie-Slobozian, Tyson Nixon, Devyn Nixon, Koltin Fyrk, Keaton Fyrk serving as casket bearers. Memorial donations in memory of Steve may be made to Cardiac Care at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre or to St. Mary’s Building Fund as gifts of remembrance. Messages of condolence may be shared at baileysfuneralhome.com.

ВІЧНАЯ ПАМ’ЯТЬ - ETERNAL MEMORY.