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EUGENE MICHAEL KOSTYRA (EK)
Born: Jun 19, 1947
Date of Passing: May 03, 2020
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EUGENE MICHAEL KOSTYRA
June 19, 1947 - May 3, 2020
He will be lovingly remembered by his spouse, Jeri Kostyra (nee McKee); son, Ryan Kostyra (Angela); daughter, Tabitha Kostyra; grandchildren, TJ Meikle, Peyton Kostyra; brother, Ray (Jane) Kostyra; niece, Chelsea (James) McKee-Trenchard; nephews, Michael Kostyra of Alberta, Brant Karmen of British Columbia, Darryl Karmen of California; sisters-in-law, Judie McKee, Winnipeg, Maureen Carroll-Friedman of Florida; and numerous loving cousins. He was predeceased by parents, Albert and Jean Kostyra of Winnipeg; and son, Aaron Jon Meikle (Kim), Pineridge, MB.
Eugene was a loving, caring, family man and friend. His passion for the working person and the less fortunate drove him into the labour and political movements. To learn more about that, go to Wikipedia.
In his retirement years he loved participating in discussions, sharing music and investigating the history of the artist or music genre with his two different music buddy groups. His compassion for music resulted in many road trips to concerts, and the Blues Highway tour were among a few. Family adventures included camping to the coasts of Canada. He travelled to South Africa, Poland, Ireland, Kauai, Uganda, Montenegro, Australia, and driving down to Mexico with Bob was an adventure of its own.
Mazatlan was a place he loved. Friends would tell you that he made the best margaritas in the world.
In the Outback at Valhalla Beach he became close friends with many of the residents there. He arranged for pals to attend home concerts, local Gimli theatre, and he would host infamous bocci ball tournaments. He loved having dinner parties, and always made people feel loved and welcome. A performance of the N.F. on the deck would be a highlight. He was a proud Manitoban and Canadian.
The last few years Eugene had many health issues. Instead of resting, he continued to make every moment count. He loved to show TJ how to barbeque the perfect tuna steak, and Peyton how to parallel park. EK loved the Winnipeg Jets, Blue Bombers, and the Goldeyes. Aaron could always update him on any player statistics. Family dinners will remain a wonderful memory with great cooking from Ryan and Eugene, and the debate of who taught who. Tabitha is a very creative artist, and many of her special gifts adorn our place.
We cannot have a formal funeral at this time. Eugene would wish you all peace and comfort with your family and friends. So when you can, celebrate his life, raise a glass (CR) or (H20) and remember a humble, generous, hardworking, gentleman who absolutely cared for everyone.
We want to thank the staff at Gimli Community Health Centre, (CancerCare Unit, Emergency and Palliative Care Program) for their care and compassion, especially during these last few weeks.
He loved his family and friends beyond measure. He will truly be missed by many.
Rest in Peace my husbuddy, dad,
grandpa, brother (brothers), uncle,
cousins, friends and colleagues.
We will all miss you so very much.
NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
Gimli 204-642-7124
neilbardalinc.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 09, 2020
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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The Quigley family passes on their deepest condolences to Jeri, Chelse (James), Judie and the rest of Eugene’s immediate family. We were so proud to have known Eugene and be in relation to him by marriage. Many good memories of seeing him at McKee family events. One memory I have that especially stands out is when he came to Gertie’s 90th birthday but had to leave and missed a speech I (Allison) was giving. When he came back to the party he pulled me aside to say he was so sorry he missed the speech and wanted me to read it again! I always thought it was so nice that he cared what I had to say, enough to ask for an encore. We really loved visiting last summer and having a crown royal with him. Manitoba lost a wonderful man. - Posted by: Allison Quigley (McKee Cousin) on: May 12, 2020
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I’m as “Tory Blue” as they come, but Eugene made me see that there are very bright, likeable and good people on the “other side”. I respected his knowledge and leadership and appreciated being on his team around a couple boardrooms. He was a pleasure to learn from. My deepest condolences to Jeri and the family. A great man who is already missed. - Posted by: Tom Payne (Friend ) on: May 11, 2020
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I had the pleasure of working with Brother Eugene on many project for CUPE He was a mentor to me even tho we worked in different Provinces most of the time. Our prayers are with his family My he RIP. We will Remember. - Posted by: John Cherry (Union Brother ) on: May 10, 2020
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So sorry for your loss Jeri. - Posted by: Pauline Campbell (Former curling teammate of Jeri) on: May 09, 2020
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We both send our prayers to you all and remember Eugene fondly...If you needed a friend he was there. Take care Jeri love you and think of you a lot. - Posted by: June and Bill Hanchakove (family thru marriage) on: May 09, 2020
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Eugene was an outstanding trade union leader and prominent New Democrat with a well deserved national reputation for tremendous organizational and strategic skills. I had the privilege of working alongside Eugene at CUPE. He was without question the hardest worker I ever met. He was a mentor and teacher and brought out the best in people through his calm, principled demeanor. Manitoba, and indeed Canada are better for his efforts. My sincere condolences to Jeri and the entire family. Rest peacefully, Brother. Paul Moist Winnipeg - Posted by: Paul Moist (friend ) on: May 09, 2020
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Rest in peace my friend. I'll always relish the good times we had for the 17 plus years that we lived side by side. The concerts, symphony, Nunavet, ice fishing, snowmobiling, bocci ball that we did together. The list goes on and on. Our sympathy to Jeri and family. Brian and Shirley Jonasson - Posted by: brian and shirley jonasson (neighbour) on: May 09, 2020
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Condolences to Eugene’s family and friend. Rest In Peace! - Posted by: John Melnyk (Friend) on: May 09, 2020
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A wonderful wonderful man has passed. It’s a long time since we did work together but it was one of my more rewarding experiences. So sorry for his loss. I was hoping to spend more time with him over the winter since we also just discovered how much we also loved Mazatlan. My condolences to all the family and the many friends and former associates who will miss him as well. Ron Pradinuk - Posted by: Ron Pradinuk (Friend) on: May 09, 2020
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