Obituary of Stanley Kozak

KOZAK, Stanley December 10, 1929 †"October 15, 2012. On Monday October 15, 2012, Stan passed away at the St. Catharines General Hospital of natural causes at the age of 82. He is survived by his loving wife Helen and sons Stan (Leanne), Frederick (Lorna), Joseph (Linda) and six grandchildren: Jessica (Russell), Emelie, Michael, Thomas, Adam and Lukas. He is also survived by three sisters: Gienia, Eleonora and Donna. Stan was born in Poland and immigrated to Canada in 1949 where he met and married Helen in 1952. He was employed by General Motors as a tool grinder for over 40 years. Stan retired in 1990 to spend time with Helen, exercise regularly at the YMCA where he was a member for nearly 50 years and visit and help his children and their families. Stan was a master of home and appliance maintenance and repairs. He was a member of the Canadian Polish Society and regularly participated in their activities. He was very proud of his family and their accomplishments. Stan and Helen had the special opportunity to dance together at their eldest granddaughter†™s wedding in August and celebrated 60 years of marriage on September 27, 2012. Stan had many friends and acquaintances and could carry on a conversation with just about anyone. He had a special gift of making people feel comfortable and was a gentleman until the end, keeping his sense of humour and remaining polite even while ill. His family was very lucky to be able to spend time with him in his last weeks and will miss him very much. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the nurses and doctors who provided exemplary care for him during his last three weeks in the St. Catharines General Hospital. Sincere appreciation is also expressed to Dr. Wayne Gruber his internist and Dr. Elaine O†™Reilly his family doctor for their care over the last several years. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. Stan†™s family will receive visitors at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton Street on Saturday, October 27th from 11:30-12:45pm. A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will follow in the funeral home chapel at 1pm. Private inurnment at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Stan†™s memory can be made to the St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation (Department of Medicine) at www.scghfoundation.com Tel: 905-323-3863 or directly to the St. Catharines YMCA Strong Kids Campaign by donation card available at the funeral home or 905-646-9622.