SAM KOSTELNYK

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SAM KOSTELNYK After a long and courageous fight, it is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of my husband, our father and grandfather Sam Kostelnyk on December 21, 2009 at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre. Sam is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 49 years, Gloria; their children Gale, Sandra, Eli, Glen and Mark (Dana); grandchildren Jared and Nathan Allison, Gregory, Travis and Tiffany Harrison, Joshua (Cheryl), Jordan, Samantha and Cassandra Kostelnyk, Paytyn, Jade, Evan and Kleissy Kostelnyk, Tristan, Isabella and Mykhaela Kostelnyk and great-granddaughter Kylie Kostelnyk; his brothers William and Myron (Gen), sister Ann (Ted) Kisha; Uncle John (Olga) Kostelnyk; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Sam was predeceased by his parents, Ilya and Eva Kostelnyk. Sam was born in St. Martin, Manitoba on November 7, 1936. He went to teacher's college and embarked on a 33-year long career in Education including earning Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Science degrees. Sam taught at Carnridge, Karpaty, Lake St. Martin, Peguis, Selkirk and Sandy Bay schools and was the principal at CFB Gypsumville, Peguis and Winnipegosis where he retired in 1991. He then served on the Duck Mountain School Board for 11 years, nine as Chairman. Sam met the love of his life, Gloria and in September 1960 they were married. He loved his family and especially enjoyed the holidays when he could play cards, board games and Lego with the grandkids. Sam loved his children dearly and was proud of all their accomplishments, whether small or great. His grandchildren and great-granddaughter were the life of his life. He held his siblings in great esteem and close to his heart. He especially loved going to brother Willie's for a quick game of cards, which would last hours. Sam was a quiet, kind and non-judgemental man with a unique sense of humour, who always enjoyed visiting people. Sam loved to curl and was involved in the rebuilding of the Curling Rink in Winnipegosis. He was especially proud of the 8-ender he obtained in Rorketon with his good friends Jack Ogryzlo, John Lytwyn and Brian Johanneson - they were also the first rink out. It was a sad day for him when he could no longer curl. Sam was an active member of the Winnipegosis community, his home for the past 32 years. He coached many school sports and was a volunteer ambulance attendant. He joined the BPO Elks and always looked forward to the brothership they shared and the brothers, in turn, looked out for him. Sam was dedicated to the United Church and enjoyed the fellowship during church and the lunches afterwards at the hotel. Sam endured his illness with quiet dignity and when asked how he was, his reply would be Fine. He considered the staff at Dauphin Dialysis Unit his extended family and referred to the nurses as My girls. Gloria and her family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Mark Clark and the nurses at Dauphin Dialysis Unit for their outstanding care and compassion over the years. A celebration of Sam's life will be held on Monday, December 28, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Elk's Hall, 337 3rd St., Winnipegosis, Manitoba. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dialysis Unit at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre, 625 3rd Street, Dauphin, MB R7N 1R7. Sneath-Strilchuk Funeral Services (204)638-4110 www.sneathstrilchuk.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 26, 2009