EDWARD W. KOCZKA

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EDWARD W. KOCZKA It is with heavy hearts that the family of Edward Koczka announces his passing at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg on Tuesday, December 11, 2001. Ed, as he preferred to be known, was born on April 30, 1931, in Stockholm, SK where he lived until 1942 when he moved with his family to Flin Flon, MB. In 1947 he moved to Winnipeg to attend St. Pauls College and following completion of his high school and accountancy studies, he spent several years working in Winnipeg and Edmonton. In 1960 he moved to Thompson, MB to take a position with Inco. Ed returned to Winnipeg in 1971 and had spent the remainder of his years here. Family was always very important to Ed and he greatly enjoyed getting together with his, particularly on holidays and special occasions, of which Christmas was his favourite. During his most recent years, he took great pleasure and enjoyment in time spent with his two littlest grandnieces, Hannah and Sarah, who never failed to get a chuckle out of Uncle Ed. He often reminisced about his earliest years growing up on the farm and had many an interesting story to tell. He enjoyed travelling and until the last few years took many trips to various locales in Canada and the United States. The place nearest and dearest to his heart, however, was Mexico where he first visited in 1970 and developed a special bond with the country, the culture and the people of that nation. He made many friends and memories there and continued his visits over the next 27 years, spending time in Mexico City, Acapulco and various other locations. Ed was predeceased by his mother Helen in 1996, his father George in 1992, and his brother Jimmy in 1946. He will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his sisters and brother, Regina (Doug) McBride of Penticton, BC, Adelle (Bill) Farkas and Parnelle (Barb) Koczka of Winnipeg; his nieces, Rina (Craig) Donnelly and Lauren Koczka of Winnipeg and Debby Silk of Summerland, BC; and nephew Carman (Penny) McBride of Calgary, AB. He is also survived by five grandnieces and one grandnephew. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 15 at 12:30 p.m. at the Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. The family extends a very special thank you to all those who cared for Ed during his recent illness, Dr. Neil Barrington and the nursing staff at Health Sciences Centre, GD-2 Ward, Don, Lisa, Teresita, Dawn, Carroll, and Sean, and all those whose names are not known. Much thanks also to Dr. Yatish Kotecha of the Assiniboine Clinic, Dr. Pat Harris, Grace Hospital Oncology, and the 5th floor nursing staff at Grace Hospital. The individual and combined efforts of all these special people are acknowledged and greatly appreciated. Much thanks, also, to those close to us who have supported our family emotionally throughout this difficult time. God Bless you all! In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Manitoba Division, 193 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B7. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 14, 2001