BEN (BOHDAN) KUSSY

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BEN (BOHDAN) KUSSY Peacefully, with his family by his side, Ben Kussy passed away on Saturday, October 13, 2007. He was born in Zolochiv, Ukraine on May 6, 1928 to Rev. Lutoslaw and Maria Kussy. Ben is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Lil and his three sons: Bob (wife Goota), Jim and Steve (wife Lorri), five grandsons: Andrew and Daniel in Winnipeg, Joey in Toronto and Joe and Sam in Yellowknife, three sisters Irena Wrzesnewska (Roman), Ulana Dyczok and Roma Hankiwska (Askold), of Toronto, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ben loved life. He loved his family. His passion was soccer. Surviving the war years, he arrived in Winnipeg in 1949. He immediately connected with the local soccer community. In the 1950s, he played for Ukraina, IPAC and Weston soccer teams. To secure the young Ukrainian player for the Weston team, Charlie Caithness gave Ben his first job in Canada, working for the CPR, where he retired from after a 33 year career. Ben took the cue from Charlie, seeking out the best soccer players as each new group of immigrants arrived in Winnipeg. As his sons came of soccer age, Ben moved from player to coach, following their teams starting at the Crescentwood Community Club. Soccer set the rhythm of the Kussy family life, often with Lil as his manager. Starting in the 1960s Ben's coaching focus also included the local senior league, with teams such as Italinter, Lucania, Luso, Ukraina Dynamo Kiev, Sokol and Fort Rouge Soccer Club. His vision soon broadened beyond Winnipeg, organizing international tournaments and exchanges, taking teams across Canada, the US, Bermuda and throughout Europe. Ben was the Pied Piper of soccer. Ben had a way of inspiring others, in his quiet but steadfast way. Even as a devoted spectator at his grandsons soccer games, Ben did not hesitate to become involved with the team's activities at games and practices. In May 2005, the Football Association of Bermuda inducted Ben into the Bermuda Soccer Hall of Fame and Dr. Bean VP of FIFA accepted the award at the Ben Kussy Recognition Night. Unfortunately, Ben could not attend. In March 2006, Ben was again honoured, receiving the Manitoba Soccer Association Fred Stambrook Award of Merit as an Outstanding Volunteer. Ben will be sadly missed by his family, his friends, and the many players and soccer devotees. To his players he will always be coach . The family would like to thank Dr. W. Van Jaarsveldt, Dr. M. Verrelli and the staff at St. Boniface Hospital PD Unit for their care, compassion and support. A celebration of life will be held at 1:30 p.m, Saturday, October 20, 2007 at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. with Msgr. Michael Buyachok officiating. The family gratefully declines flowers. Donations can be made in Ben's memory to the St. Boniface Hospital Building Fund, the Kidney Foundation of Manitoba, or charity of choice. Please feel free to share with us your favourite Benny moment at benkussy@gmail.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 19, 2007