Obituary for Donald Stephen Kozak
Donald Kozak, a dedicated family man, a pillar of the Ukrainian community, and a devoted civil servant, passed away surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on April 4th, 1954, in Thunder Bay, Ontario to Teodore and Evdokija Kozak. Don's life was deeply rooted in the values of family, hard work, and community service.
Don attended Fort William Collegiate, Sheridan College, and Lakehead University. He dedicated 35 years of his career to the City of Calgary as a Senior Tax Assessor. His commitment to public service was driven by a deep sense of duty and a passion for making a difference in the community. He played a pivotal role in purchasing the Ukrainian Youth Association building (Domivka), ensuring a permanent home for cultural preservation and community gatherings. Don served as the Head of CYM (Ukrainian Youth Association) where his leadership was instrumental in nurturing a sense of identity and belonging for Ukrainians.
Don was a loving husband to his wife, Slava and a caring father to his daughter, Luba and son-in-law, Nathan, and their dogs Milo and Rosie. He was immensely proud of Luba and Nathan’s academic and professional accomplishments. He was a wonderful brother to his sister, Stephanie and her husband, Alex; a dearly loved uncle (Uncle Donny) to his goddaughter/niece Andrea and her husband Robert, along with their children, Gabriel and Ethan; nephew Andrew and his wife Adrianna, along with their dogs Derrick and Bowie. Don was a helpful brother-in-law to Lyubov and (late) Yuriy. Don loved animals, especially the family’s pets, which included Mimi, Meka, and Mooshka.
Don was an avid traveler who enjoyed many road trips and adventures across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Visiting Lviv, Ukraine with his family brought him great joy. Don dreamed of going on many more journeys, but now they remain unfulfilled. Don was a man of gentle kindness with a marvelous sense of humour and he was always willing to lend a helping hand. Over his lifetime, he made many meaningful friendships and positively impacted the lives of those around him. Don will be extremely missed by his wife, family and friends who will deeply mourn his absence but will forever cherish his memory.
Prayers will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 7:00 pm at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church (704 6 Street NE, Calgary, AB). The Funeral Service will also be held at the same church on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Don’s memory to Kidney Foundation of Canada.
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Don with the family, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
Don attended Fort William Collegiate, Sheridan College, and Lakehead University. He dedicated 35 years of his career to the City of Calgary as a Senior Tax Assessor. His commitment to public service was driven by a deep sense of duty and a passion for making a difference in the community. He played a pivotal role in purchasing the Ukrainian Youth Association building (Domivka), ensuring a permanent home for cultural preservation and community gatherings. Don served as the Head of CYM (Ukrainian Youth Association) where his leadership was instrumental in nurturing a sense of identity and belonging for Ukrainians.
Don was a loving husband to his wife, Slava and a caring father to his daughter, Luba and son-in-law, Nathan, and their dogs Milo and Rosie. He was immensely proud of Luba and Nathan’s academic and professional accomplishments. He was a wonderful brother to his sister, Stephanie and her husband, Alex; a dearly loved uncle (Uncle Donny) to his goddaughter/niece Andrea and her husband Robert, along with their children, Gabriel and Ethan; nephew Andrew and his wife Adrianna, along with their dogs Derrick and Bowie. Don was a helpful brother-in-law to Lyubov and (late) Yuriy. Don loved animals, especially the family’s pets, which included Mimi, Meka, and Mooshka.
Don was an avid traveler who enjoyed many road trips and adventures across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Visiting Lviv, Ukraine with his family brought him great joy. Don dreamed of going on many more journeys, but now they remain unfulfilled. Don was a man of gentle kindness with a marvelous sense of humour and he was always willing to lend a helping hand. Over his lifetime, he made many meaningful friendships and positively impacted the lives of those around him. Don will be extremely missed by his wife, family and friends who will deeply mourn his absence but will forever cherish his memory.
Prayers will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 7:00 pm at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church (704 6 Street NE, Calgary, AB). The Funeral Service will also be held at the same church on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Don’s memory to Kidney Foundation of Canada.
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Don with the family, please visit www.choicememorial.com.