Sam Kozak

On January 15, 2019 surrounded by his family, Sam Kozak entered into eternal rest at the age of 86 years.  Sam was born to Paul and Mary (Fitkowski - Shenderevich) Kozak on March 27, 1932 in the Zelena area.  He married Albina (Goba) in 1954 and began their life on the Kozak homestead in the Deepdale district.  Together they raised six children and grew their family farm into a diverse mixed grain, dairy, beef, hog and chicken operation.

Sam, a man of few words, pursued his passion of farming and carpentry, along with the occasional time for refreshments and a good meal which Albina was an expert at providing.  He played fiddle as a young man and loved to dance. When time permitted he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and volunteering with the Knights of Columbus, but working with his hands and the earth were his expertise.  He believed if you were doing something then you better do it right.  If you came over for a visit you would never go away hungry or thirsty.  He enjoyed hosting his family, friends, and neighbours with large get-togethers followed by a good card game of ‘Guts’ or ‘Golf’.

At the age of 80 he suffered a stroke, which was later complicated by Alzheimer’s disease.  Sam then moved into Roblin Crocus Court where he lived the remainder of his life.

He will be sadly missed by his wife Albina of 64 years, children Dianne (Floyd) Wilderman of Wynyard, Sk; Valerie (Rick) Simon of Royal City, WA; Ron (Sandra) Kozak of Roblin, MB; Maxine (Chris) Gudnason of Wynyard, SK; Kimberly (Phil) Dixon of Sherwood Park, AB; Corinne (Gary) Reber of Preeceville, SK.  Grandchildren Sam (Dani) Rice; Kris (Hollie) Rice; Reece and Dallas Dixon; Mackenzie and Brenden Kozak; Chance and Levi Gudnason; Logan Karapeta; Brooklyn Reber and great-grandson August Rice. Brother George (Millie) Kozak and sister-in-law Mary Shendervich along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents Paul and Mary Kozak; brothers Tony Shendervich; Frank (Rose) Sandar; Nick (Ann) Sandar; Donald (in infancy); sisters Tillie (Mike) Kozak; Pauline (Bert) Nedohin; Helen (Peter) Drobot; nephews David Sandar and Robert Kozak.

The Rosary and Prayer Service for Sam Kozak was held on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at 6:30 PM at Sneath-Strilchuk Funeral Chapel, and the Funeral Mass on Monday, Jan. 21, at 11:00 AM at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church with Father Bastin officiating. Sam’s granddaughter MacKenzie Kozak delivered the eulogy and readers were grandchildren Logan Karapeta and Dallas Dixon. Carrying Sam to his final resting place in Roblin Catholic Cemetery were grandchildren: Sam and Kris Rice, Reece and Dallas Dixon, Brenden Kozak, Chance and Levi Gudnason, and Logan Karapeta. Following the interment friends and family gathered in the lower level of the church for a time of sharing of memories, a video tribute, and luncheon.

Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Sam may be made to Alzheimer Society of Manitoba 214 Main Street North, Dauphin, MB, R7N 1C4.

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