David John Bradley KOZAR

DAVID JOHN BRADLEY KOZAR It is with great sadness that the family of David John Bradley Kozar announces his passing on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2005. Dave was born in Winnipeg, Man. on Jan. 21, 1948 and then moved to Thunder Bay, Ont. as an infant. He attended Westgate High School and Lakehead University Teachers’ College in Thunder Bay. He met his wife of 35 years, Elaine Kerr, in Thunder Bay while she was attending school. He fell hard for her on the first date. So hard, in fact, that he fell down about 100 stairs in her presence—although it had been snowing. What a first impression! They were married shortly afterwards. Dave was employed with Thunder Bay Social Services from 1970-84, then moved with his family to Fort Frances, Ont. to become the administrator for the Rainy River District Social Services board from 1984 until he retired in 1999. Dave was at the cornerstone of a wonderful life for his family. He was the ultimate family man who spent his time with Elaine, Kev, and Al, and provided a warm welcome to any friend or neighbour who stopped by. Dave loved to make his visitors laugh with him and could always be counted on for a few good wisecracks. He often was found enjoying a coffee or beer on his back deck with friends and family, surveying his world and the garden around him. He particularly loved to work on his yard. There were always plans for another flowerbed for Elaine, or another shrub over there. Just when you thought there couldn’t be a more perfect garden, he proved you wrong. Cooking was another of his passions. Many wonderful family meals of his making were held in the Kozar family kitchen where everyone was welcome. In addition, Dave recently had developed a new interest in painting. Despite his love for his home, he was not always the handiest of men. As several friends can attest, Dave certainly could not be trusted to do any carpentry or plumbing on his own. Instead, he excelled at “supervising” many home improvements and, of course, offering some helpful instructions to whomever was “working.” Dave cared greatly about his community and volunteered in many capacities, including on the Fort Frances Museum committee. He particularly enjoyed sharing his love of reading with senior citizens as he delivered books to them as a volunteer for the Fort Frances Public Library. Dave loved getting to know all kinds of people and hearing their stories. He had old friends and young friends, and even some in between. Whenever he went up the lake, he really missed people. He never was one for solitude. Anyone who knew Dave will always remember him for his wonderful sense of humour. Through his actions, we are reminded never to take ourselves too seriously. He kept us all laughing—even to the end. For that, we will miss him the most. David is survived by his loving wife, Elaine, of Fort Frances. They shared a wonderful marriage that was an example to so many. Dave was a fantastic father to Kevin Kozar (and wife Amy Johnson) of Thunder Bay, Ont. and Allison (and husband Ross) Mason of Calgary, Alta. He was very proud of his children’s achievements and the people that they grew to become. Dave also was a recent grandfather to Charlie Kozar. Although they only had a short time together, they shared some special times and definitely some laughs. Charlie will grow up with many stories about his Grandpa Dave. Dave also is survived by his mother, Lilian Olesky of Winnipeg, Man.; father, Tony Olesky of Thunder Bay, Ont.; brother, Bill Olesky and wife, Lois Karam, of Prague, Czechoslovakia; sisters- and brothers in-law, Cookie Kerr of Kenora, Ont., Jean and Warner Baxter of Iroquois Falls, Ont., Linda and John Lunny of Kenora, Ont., and Lois Kerr of Kenora, Ont.; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Ann Colquhoun. Family and friends will gather to celebrate David’s life on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2005 at 11 a.m. at Green’s Funeral Home in Fort Frances. Rev. Robert Faykes will officiate. According to David’s wishes, cremation and internment at Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances will take place. Honorary pallbearers will be Ron Grabowski, Ed Katona, Andy Lesko, Mike Jolicoeur, Paul McAlister, and Brian Johnstone. If friends so wish, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, P.O. Box 444, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8, or to the La Verendrye Hospital, 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B7.