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JOZEF KISKA
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jozef Kiska following a short illness on Sunday, January 2, 2022.
Jozef was born on December 27, 1946 in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia. As a young man, he served in the military. He immigrated to Canada in 1968, not knowing English, and taking on work as a janitor with the CBC. From those humble beginnings he would go on to own his own structural steel drafting business which left its mark on the Winnipeg skyline with projects such as the revolving restaurant (Prairie 360) and Portage Place. He was incredibly active in the Slovak community, serving as the President of the local branch of the Canadian Slovak League, and as an executive member of the Canadian National Council and the Slovak World Congress. He later served as an Honorary Consul on behalf of the Slovak government. He created the Voice of Slovakia, a community television program which ran from 1986 until 1996. He was a founding member of the local International Black Ribbon Day Committee and was an active member of the Folk Arts Council of Winnipeg. He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal for his extensive public service.
In his spare time, Jozef made excellent wine which he generously shared with friends. He enthusiastically and actively supported his children in their hockey and soccer playing when they were younger. He also avidly kept up with domestic and international politics and the news. His honesty and integrity in all things were second to no one.
Jozef is survived by his wife of 51 years, Elizabeth, and three adult children, Larry, Chris and Roger.
His love of Slovakia was so contagious that it inspired each of his children to visit his hometown, with two of them choosing to live there for a period. One of Jozef's greatest joys were his three grandchildren, Jozef, Rohan and Kiara Bernadette. His childlike devotion to them touched everyone around him in its innocence and purity.
The Kiska family would like to especially thank the Koprajda family; Tony and Eva Brasko; and Giselle Majersky for their generosity of support during these difficult times.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Diabetes Canada.
An invitation only remembrance mass will be held on Sunday, January 9, 2022.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 08, 2022
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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Dear family Kiska, Please accept our deepest condolences for your enormous loss. Jozef was an exemplary man, husband, grandfather and a great friend to many. He'll forever stay in our memories. Family Orihel - Posted by: Family Orihel (Long-time friends) on: Jan 21, 2022
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It is with great sadness that I learnt about passing of my dear friend Josef. I had a priviledge to work with him during my posting at Slovak Embassy in Ottawa in 2002-2006. It was always a pleasure when I had a chance to meet Jozef or at least to speak with him through telephone. We were in frequent contact and shared not only our business issues but our personal daily joys and troubles. I still keep in mind those beautiful three days I spent in Winnipeg in 2004 when Josef organized a consular day and a gala dinner and I was a main guest at the party. Wonderful memories! May God be merciful to his generous soul! Odpočívaj v pokoji, Jozef! Rastislav Puchala - Posted by: Rastislav Puchala (Former Consul of the Embassy of Slovakia in Ottawa) on: Jan 11, 2022
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