AMEL KOSTYNYK

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AMEL KOSTYNYK It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Amel with his family at his side at Victoria Hospital on September 1, 2010. He is survived by his wife Lorna of 50 years and son Reese. His parents, Mike and Nellie Kostynyk; sister Elaine (Morris) Werbeniuk; brother Tim Kostynyk; brother-in-law George McQuade; brother-in-law Wilf (Diane) Picknicki; and sister-in law Val (Dennis) Lyons. He was predeceased by his sister Millie McQuade. Amel was born to John and Kate Kostynyk (nee Boychuk) on May 4, 1937 in Vita, Manitoba. He lost his parents at a very young age and was raised by his step-parents, Mike and Nellie Kostynyk in a very warm loving home full of fun, laughter and music. Music was always a big part of the Kostynyk family. He received his elementary and high school education in Sundown, Manitoba and later went to what was at the time known as Normal School for his teacher training. He began his teaching career at Soloway School, then went onto Brightstone and Riverland schools (in the Lac Du Bonnet area), later to Shamattawa, Manitoba and Arctic Red River, N.W.T. His last teaching position was in Cranberry Portage where he remained Principal for 11 years with his deep dedication to teaching and commitment to students. He influenced the lives of many children throughout his teaching career. Amel was known for being one of the first Manitoba educators to stress the importance of early years education and one of his proud moments was when the Early Childhood Education Lending Library in Cranberry Portage came to be. Upon leaving Cranberry Portage he joined Frontier School Division main office as a consultant in School Management and also carried on his strong commitment to early childhood education. Retiring at age 55, and sometime later, he embarked upon a second career in the Financial World, working for Jory Capital as their Technical Analyst. That was his greatest passion in life. Amel would be up by 3:00 a.m. checking the global data so that his Technical Review letters that were sent out daily would have the most up-to-date information and numbers. Special thanks to Amel's boss, Patrick M. Cooney and his assistant, Deborah Giesbrecht for the great working relationship they shared. In keeping with Amel's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal service. A private family interment will be held at a later date in Lac Du Bonnet.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 04, 2010