Obituary of Iwan Kobzan

KOBZAN IWAN (John) It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Iwan Kobzan (John) on Wednesday, Decemeber 8th, 2010, at 87 years of age. . John is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mila (Dankewycz), daughter Anna (Scott Macivor), grandchildren Christopher and Kathryn, daughter Maryann (Dr. Peter Diakow), grandchildren Olena (Mike Allison), Peter and Natalie. Also survived by his sister Marusia in Ukraine, sister in law Katyryna (Dan) Kolubinski of Hamilton, brother in law Ivan (Zennia) Dankewycz of Chicago and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, one brother and three sisters in Ukraine. John was born in Ukraine and immigrated to Canada where he worked at the Pamour Gold Mine in South Porcupine, Ontario. In 1966 he moved his family to St. Catharines and worked at the Ontario Paper Company in Thorold until his retirement. During his retirement John enjoyed traveling, spending time with his grandchildren, tending to his garden and enjoying Ukrainian festivals. John was a friendly, outgoing person leaving behind many good friends including his retiree coffee group at the Fairveiw Mall. He was an avid reader and especially loved to discuss politics. He was proud to be a Canadian and proud that Canada has been supporting the democratic process in Ukraine. He was a member of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church for 44 years and supported the work of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. John is resting at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton St. until Friday at 9:30am. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated in Sts. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church at 10am.Visiting hours are Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Panachyda will be held in the funeral home on Thursday at 7pm. Rite of committal in St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Cemetery, Oakville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to UCC (St. Catharines Branch) or Sts. Cyril and Methodius Building Fund would be appreciated by the family.