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KEVIN WILLIS HALL
Born: Oct 18, 1954
Date of Passing: Nov 14, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryKEVIN WILLIS HALL
With deep sadness, families Kozyrskyj, Gray, Hall, Salmon, Thompson and friends announce the passing of their kind and caring Kevin Willis Hall, BScPhm (Halifax, NS), Pharm D (Buffalo, NY), former Regional Director of Pharmacy, WRHA and Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacy, University of Alberta.
He was a treasured companion of wife Anita Kozyrskyj, mom-in-law Donna and dog Coco. Born in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia on October 18, 1954 to Carol and Willis Hall, Kevin was brother to Rick, Heather and Linda. He was dear uncle to Ryan, Sherie, Madie and Lucas. Kevin loved his family, friends, nature, travels and pharmacy profession. Serving as CPhA President and Editor, Hospital Pharmacy in Canada, he was a national leader in his profession and a mentor to many. After braving Benson’s disease for seven years, he died on November 14, 2023 overlooking his Winnipeg garden.
A tribute to Kevin will be held in early 2024. In his memory, please consider donating to a nature organization of your choosing.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 18, 2023, Nov 18, 2023
Condolences & Memories (21 entries)
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Kevin was one of the brightest and most accomplished people I have known. Gone too soon. - Posted by: Kimberly Skromeda (Co-worker) on: Sep 03, 2025
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So sad to hear a year later about Kevin. We had many memories together at U Buffalo, and i always valued his friendship. My thoughts are with all of you. - Posted by: Joe Bertino (Classmate) on: Dec 10, 2024
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I’d like to pay tribute and celebrate my idol, mentor and role model “Uncle Kevin” Kevin is the third of the four children to Carol and Willis Hall. I loved spending time with Grammy Hall. Her laugh was infectious and her love for you ever present aways there with a supportive “Bless your ol’ sweet heart”. However; whenever I got into a bit of mischief in her presence, perhaps I wore her patience just a little too thin with my latest antic. If that drove her to raise her voice. Or to yell my name and she happened to misspeak. It was never Kevin’s name she yelled. No sir. Most often it was “RICK!!” (more often than my own name actually) occasionally I’d hear “Oh Heather!” and on rarer occasions even “Linda!” but never once Kevin. Kevin had this innate ability to make you feel special in all things. Always encouraging, lifting you up and praising little things as extraordinary and seeing potential in everyone. No matter how big or small the accomplishment he celebrated them all. I swear I could tie my shoes and he’d tell me he couldn’t imagine doing it better in a way that was both sincere and supportive. I felt so much of his parents’ love in Kevin. Their love echoed in him throughout the world. Kevin in all things was ever humble, seeing greatness in everyone. Now we don’t choose our family, but we do choose to spend time with our family. I was blessed that Kevin consistently chose to spend time with us and made us all the better for it. Through the last three decades I grew from a clueless young man to a clueless old husband becoming a loving father to two beautiful children whom Kevin treated as if his own grandkids, his love has been ever present. Our shared interests were many; family history, getting together with friends, exploring nature and a mutual appreciation for music topped the list. Our adventures together are too numerous to recall them all here. But I can tell you our close bond started with our trip to Disney in 1989, where my bother Darren gleefully walked his invisible dog down the main street and refused to eat anything but a plain cheeseburger. It was there I saw my screen Idol’s “Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular” and was the perfect child (don’t bother confirming that just accept it as the truth). Since then, we’ve hiked the infamous Mantario Trail “Loop”, camped, canoed, skied and hiked our way across Manitoba with my closest friends and family. We’ve taken trips home to NS for Reunions and cherished visits with loved ones at home together. We’ve even crossed the international date line together during our three-week escapade in New Zealand this past February. Together we’ve see our Blues idols BB King and Eric Clapton. Together we’ve taken in so many local plays and events I could not possibly remember them all. We’ve shared Sunday dinners beyond count. We’ve celebrated holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, University and Chartered Accountancy graduations and to top them all Kevin was a groomsman in my wedding. Make no mistake, without Kevin I’d never have had these adventures nor come to Winnipeg, met my wife, or embarked on a career in Finance. I am where and who I am today because of his presence. For these gifts of time and companionship he gave me I am extraordinarily and eternally grateful. Kevin’s humility, kindness, generosity, caring and compassion made this world a better place. Kevin’s presence in a room was enough to make my day brighter. I promise to continue my path to being a better husband, friend and father with the hopes that one day I may in some small way live up to the standard he lived every day. I’ve heard it said that grief is love looking for a place to go and grief fades over time as that love spreads out into the world. Today I’ll continue to grieve in hopes that some day I may spread this love back into the world. I love you. I miss you beyond measure. - Posted by: Ryan Gray (Nephew) on: Dec 15, 2023
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My first memory of Kevin is conversation (about steak) with him and "The Boss" at a job interview dinner at Rae & Jerry's. He was witty and passionate about pretty much everything over the many years I knew and worked with him. I've never seen a guy with stars in his eyes, but they were there in spades when he met you, Anita, and those stars only got brighter over the years. He was a mentor, friend, and pharmacy disturber of the highest order (in a good way). He made a space for me in a pharmacy leadership role at a time when female leaders/managers were scarce at HSC. His death leaves a hole in many hearts. Deepest sympathy to you, Anita and all of his family/friends. - Posted by: Donna Woloschuk (friend/colleague) on: Dec 07, 2023
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Anita, I am so truly saddened to hear of Kevin's passing. I remember him well from my CSHP days. More importantly, I remember how happy you made each other. My sincerest condolences. - Posted by: Toni Bailie (Friend of Anita) on: Dec 06, 2023
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Hi had the honor and privilege to work with Kevin through our days together at CSHP and CPhA. Each time I followed him through the chairman's role. He used to kid me that he would make the mess and I would clean it up, which, of course, was not the case. He was a true visionary and always had the courage to move forward in the best interests of the profession. He was an accomplished leader, educator and researcher and the profession has lost one of its greats and I have lost a good friend and colleague - Posted by: Bill Wilson (Friend and Colleague) on: Dec 06, 2023
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I am so grateful to Kevin! Like so many others, he gave me a chance, encouraged and mentored me. His pharmacy legacy lives on through so many who were fortunate enough to work with him! - Posted by: Colette Raymond (Friend) on: Dec 05, 2023
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Kevin was an inspiration and a shining light to a scared newly minted PharmD when I arrived in Winnipeg so many years ago. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My sincerest condolences to his family - Posted by: Maria Gutschi (colleague) on: Dec 04, 2023
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My deepest condolences to Anita, family and friends. Kevin was a kind and generous leader to many of us in the hospital pharmacy community. His passion and commitment was impressive and I will always be grateful for his support and expert advice. He will be missed. - Posted by: Vicki Sills (Colleague ) on: Dec 04, 2023
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A great friend and invaluable mentor. I miss him dearly. - Posted by: Carlos Velazquez (Friend) on: Nov 30, 2023
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Sending our Love and deepest condolences Anita. - Posted by: Glenys Vanstone (Friend) on: Nov 30, 2023
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I have a deep sense of loss for my dear brother. We were always close and I admired his leadership, his smile and his sense of humour. He was like a father to my son Ryan and a grandfather to Madie and Lucas. Sherie said he was the kindest, gentlest man she had ever met. Rest in peace. I love you ! - Posted by: Heather Salmon (sister) on: Nov 23, 2023
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Deeply saddened to be saying goodbye. Our family origins are from Ontario but moved to Winnipeg. So when our neighbour Kevin opted to be our chosen Uncle, we kids were delighted. I’m thankful for Uncle Kevin’s love and care in our young lives, and have been looking at beautiful photos of him playing with us as kids this week with gratitude. My deepest condolences to Anita, and all of his family and friends. Cheers to you Uncle Kevin. - Posted by: Janessa Nayler-Giesbrecht (Niece by family friendship) on: Nov 21, 2023
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Heather, So sorry to hear of the passing of your brother. My sincere condolences to you & your family. Susan - Posted by: Susan Barnes (Friend of Heather’s) on: Nov 21, 2023
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I was saddened to see Kevin‘s obituary in the weekend paper. What a tough time he and you, Anita, must have had in the last seven years. My condolences to you and his family and friends. - Posted by: Gail Marchessault (Anita’s friend) on: Nov 21, 2023
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It is with deep sadness that I extend my condolences to Kevin’s beloved family. I have many treasured personal memories of travels with Kevin and Anita, including cottage vacations, trips to PEI, Winnipeg and Canmore. Kevin was always the most gracious host and hiking guide. And the master of loading the dishwasher to perfection. A Pharmacist through and through. On that note, I share my profound respect for Kevin and his professional legacy. He was renowned as a Director, and his vision and leadership on the national stage were an inspiration to many including myself. I will cherish Kevin’s wonder and love for nature and he is etched in my memory walking through the trails surrounding Canmore. - Posted by: Lynda Chilibeck (Family Friend ) on: Nov 21, 2023
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Kevin was my earliest mentor, when I worked for him as a pharmacist in the intensive care units at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. He believed in me and encouraged me to go back to school to get an advanced degree. I owe him so much. I wouldn't have the life that I have without his support, encouragement and influence. And then we had a treasured friendship of nearly 40 years. Kevin was one of the very best people that I will ever have the privilege of calling a friend. A man of integrity, honesty, kindness, and humor. I have so many fond memories of evenings at Kevin and Anita's house in Winnipeg, warm gatherings of friends. We may have even shared a wee glass of scotch from time to time. I also have fond memories of travel with Kevin and Anita. Adventures in Greece, Alaska/Yukon, Newfoundland, Ireland. A long ago fly-in fishing trip with Kevin and some friends, where we caught nothing except mosquito bites. Some of the best times of my life were spent with Kevin (and Anita). I will always be grateful for our friendship, and I will never forget him. Deepest condolences to Anita and to all who knew and loved Kevin. - Posted by: Jim Tisdale (Mentee and friend) on: Nov 21, 2023
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Kevin was an amazing man. He had a vision for pharmacy that was well beyond the current care provided by pharmacists. This legacy for the profession will live forever as will his dedication to the profession. He was always a true friend and stood behind his word to always provide support for his friends. Deepest sympathy and prayers to Anita during this tough time of loss. Kevin was my hero for the profession of pharmacy. I will miss his annual dinners at his residence in Winnipeg. Rest in peace my dear friend and your in gods hands now on your next journey. Deepest sympathy to all his family and friends. - Posted by: Michael Namaka (Friend) on: Nov 20, 2023
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Please accept condolences on behalf of the Dalhousie College of Pharmacy. Kevin was an accomplished alumnus and a leader in the pharmacy profession. We mourn his loss and celebrate his accomplishments. Susan Mansour Director, Dalhousie College of Pharmacy - Posted by: Susan Mansour (Colleague) on: Nov 20, 2023
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Kevin was a valued colleague, role model, advisor, and supporter but above all Kevin was a very very good friend. Always humble, he tended to reject all praise and gratitude. Thank you for everything Kevin. We will miss you dearly. - Posted by: Chuck & Helen Wilgosh (Friends) on: Nov 19, 2023
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Kevin was a mentor to me in my early career, when I worked at Health Sciences Centre. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. Wishing Anita and all Kevin's family and friends my deepest sympathy. - Posted by: Daniel Touchette (Mentee and friend) on: Nov 18, 2023