> Details

Advanced Search:


Regular Search
❮ Go Back to Listings
BRIAN KOBYLAK Obituary pic

BRIAN KOBYLAK

Born: Nov 03, 1944

Date of Passing: Oct 07, 2017

Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

BRIAN KOBYLAK It is with sadness and thanksgiving that we announce the sudden passing of our loving husband, devoted father, adoring grandfather and beloved coach, Brian Kobylak, on October 7, 2017. Family was the love of Brian's life. He will be forever missed by his soulmate of 55 years and beyond, Pat; daughters Barb (Dan) and Sarah (Dennis) and grandchildren Diana (Jeremiah), Noah, Travis and Christian; Brian's brothers Barry and Garry and their families; and his extended family of friends, football players and fellow coaches. Welcoming him with open arms on the other side were his parents, Jack and Mary Kobylak, in-laws Conrad and Pearl Hicke, brother-in-law Daniel Buhr and niece Laura Kobylak, as well as his grandparents and family ancestors that Brian knew guided us and continue to watch over us. Brian was born on November 3, 1944 and grew up in East Kildonan. He spoke fondly of his years at St. Alphonsus School and Church as well as at St. Paul's High School where he played football with the Crusaders. He was quite proud of being invited to tryout camp with the Blue Bombers. At a holiday party in 1962, he met Patsy Hicke and the two were inseparable from that evening on. They married on October 14, 1967 (today is their 50th wedding anniversary) and, hand in hand, set out on an awesome adventure. They found their own piece of paradise in the country and moved north of Anola on Halloween 1970, creating a loving home that quickly expanded with the arrival of Barbara in 1971 and Sarah in 1973. Brian spent nearly 30 years working as an electronics technician with MTS. Upon retiring in 1998, he pursued his dream of coaching football with the Manitoba Minor Football Association, first with the Transcona Nationals and then with Fort Garry Lions and Sunrise Coyotes. He took his passion to a new level as a Winnipeg High School Football League coach with the Murdoch MacKay Clansmen before joining the Steinbach Sabres, where he truly felt a special connection. Brian proudly wore three WHSFL championship rings, but the real win for him was being able to encourage young talent and nurture the love of the game in others. Coach Koby loved taking "his boys" out for wings and was especially proud to stand on the sidelines with Head Coach Jamie Peters and the league's finest coaching staff. As great a coach as he was, Brian was an even better dad and grandpa. He was a gentle and patient teacher and our biggest fan, taking an active interest in all of our lives. He challenged and encouraged us, always putting family first and helping out whenever he could. When he became a grandpa, that love was magnified. Grandma and Grandpa Kobylak drove in from Anola every morning for years to babysit their preschool grandkids, making precious memories that have become family folklore. Sleepovers were always in demand, thanks in part to all the fun had playing in the treehouse and with the elaborate, three-room train set he built. Brian enjoyed fishing and simply being outdoors as it connected him to the earth. He had a soft spot for animals, and showed a deep affection not only for the dogs, cats and fish that were pets over the years, but also to the birds, chipmunks and deer that he kept well fed in the yard. He had his own unique brand of spirituality, including a deep interest in mythology and a never-ending quest for knowledge to the secrets of the universe. We take comfort knowing that all of his questions have now been answered. As per Brian's wishes, a private and meaningful celebration of life will be held at a future date. The family wishes to thank Beausejour Hospital for their care and the medical and spiritual staff at St. Boniface Hospital's Acute Critical Care Unit for their compassion. If friends so wish, donations are gratefully accepted in Brian's memory to Siloam Mission at Siloam.ca. Lastly, if you knew Brian, you know he loved three things: his family, football and Star Wars. When a Jedi dies, they are transformed into the Force, and in our hearts, we are certain that Brian is now One with the Force. MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 14, 2017

Condolences & Memories (14 entries)

  • We are sorry this is late. We worked with Brian and Pat in Marriage Encounter. Blessings to Pat and family. - Posted by: Bob and Anne Hazen (Friend in Christ ) on: May 01, 2023

  • Coach Koby was a such a great influence in my playing career, when I thought I couldn't do something he always knew the right thing to say and was great person to talk to when I started coaching and he showed me how to do it the right way and and when kids mess up how to approach them and talk to them the right way. Thank you Koby, as we finished up spring camp I can say you are dearly missed, thanks for everything Rest In Peace Coach Koby - Posted by: shane reimer (Friend , Mentor and Coaching partner and played for him) on: May 25, 2018

  • He was the most down to earth man I’ve ever met. That sentence right there will forever be how you can describe coach. RIP KOBY Hogs Rule. - Posted by: Cole Dimitroff (Coach) on: Oct 29, 2017

  • I am very sad to hear of Brian’s passing. I worked with Brian at MTS Toll Terminal and he was the best natured guy I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with, always smiling with a kind word for everyone. My condolences to Brian’s family. - Posted by: Rick Cadorath (Co-worker) on: Oct 18, 2017

  • I am very sad to hear of Brian’s passing. I worked with Brian at MTS Toll Terminal and he was the best natured guy I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. Always smiling with a kind word for everyone. My condolences to Brian’s family. - Posted by: Rick Cadorath (Co-worker) on: Oct 17, 2017

  • My deepest condolences to Pat and family and all the dear Hearts that will miss Brian so much. Brian was a neighbour and more importantly a loving friend and Fairy Godfather to me. I will miss...the hugs, the warm conversations and easy connection to a man that shared my love of nature and all the forces therein. He was one of the kindest and gentlest souls I have ever met - you shall be loved forever Brian. - Posted by: Michele Parker (Friend) on: Oct 16, 2017

  • What can I say about Brian that hasn't already been said. He was a great person and I had many good times with him and your family. Hunting in Gimili with Derek and getting stuck in the mud in his 67 Malibou. Listening to LED Zeppelin, going to your place in Anola and riding the Skidoo in the yard. I didn't know Brian was into football and good for him for following his dream. I am extremely proud that my son Michael who is also following the same passion. My thoughts go out to you Pat, Barb, Sarah and your families. I also extend my condolences to Gary, Barry & their families who were also great part of my life. - Posted by: Paul Tilley (Ex Cousin in Law / Friend ) on: Oct 16, 2017

  • So many great memories of Brian and Pat and their family! Brian stayed true to himself without compromise and was a wonderful influence on the Kobylak family. When his Gigu died, he went to stay with his Baba - so she wouldn't feel so alone. She so looked forward to being able to prepare meals for Brian and the rest of the family every Sunday. He believed in goodness and honesty - which I will always remember about him. Many many meals and laughs - and some tears as well. My thoughts and my heart go out to Pat and their family! - Posted by: Linda Johnson (Sister in law - a long time ago) on: Oct 15, 2017

  • We were shocked to hear of Brian’s passing. Ralph voiced many fond memories of good times while growing up. Your family has a void that can never be filled.our prayers are with your family at this time. - Posted by: Ralph and Trucia howard () on: Oct 14, 2017

  • We were shocked to hear of Brian’s passing. Ralph voiced many fond memories of good times while growing up. Your family has a void that can never be filled.our prayers are with your family at this time. - Posted by: Ralph and Trucia howard () on: Oct 14, 2017

  • I am so sorry on the loss of your Dad, husband and Grandpa. I am thinking of you and your family. - Posted by: Sandy Popiel (nee Johnson) (Friend of Sarah's from school) on: Oct 14, 2017

  • Sorry to hear of your loss. - Posted by: Patricia Dansen (Lived across the street (my parents the Krawchuk’s)) on: Oct 14, 2017

  • Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to Brian. I will always remember him as a kind and gentle man, and he keeps a special place in my childhood memories. - Posted by: Alaine (Wangen) Brawley () on: Oct 14, 2017

  • Beautifully written... My thoughts are with you and your family ... *hugs* - Posted by: Catherine Sproat (Friend) on: Oct 14, 2017

❮ Go Back to Listings