STEPHEN (IRISH) KOSOWICZ

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STEPHEN (IRISH) KOSOWICZ "When Irish Eyes are Smiling..." Stephen (better known as Irish-for his love to box) was born and raised in Gonor, Manitoba on January 24, 1916 and passed away peacefully in Selkirk on July 31, 2000 Irish was predeceased by his wife Pauline, children, Brian, Richard, Iris and Theresa, parents Martha and Alexander and brother William (Louis). Irish leaves to mourn daughters, Susan (Peter), Karen (Richard) and Darlene (Gordon), his cherished grandchildren, Amber and Chance, brothers, Peter and Charlie (Delma) and sister Olga (Haig) and many other relatives and friends. Irish, after attending Gonor School he respectfully completed Grade 9 in Selkirk. During that time and thereafter he helped his father on the farm as a market gardener. Irish was very close to his family and helped his brothers, Louis and Peter construct the original Halfmoon Dance Hall (later to become the Halfmoon Drive Inn). Around that time he met his future beloved wife, Pauline Fegol of Narol, where they were married on October 19, 1942. The newly weds moved to Montreal for a brief time, but returned to Gonor to build their home and raise a family. Irish soon gained employment with the Manitoba Rolling Mills in Selkirk where he worked for 29 years (an accomplishment he was very proud of) and retired at the age of 60. In his later years, Irish took up residence in Selkirk. Dad was a very sensitive and caring man with even a few fetishes: like hats and making sure all the oil in the cars were maintained. He loved his family and was proud of his Ukrainian heritage. Even though he faced many difficult changes in his life, his life was full and he somehow always come out ahead. Dads greatest accomplishment was bringing up his three daughters, who he loved very much and the impact he has had on his grandchildren. Dad/Grandpa instilled strong common sense values on how to listen and respect their elders. In Irishs pastime he enjoyed singing jingles, listening to Ukrainian music, visiting, doing yard work, and taking long drives (as he would say, "just to see how far it is") especially to Grand Beach to see his cousin Walter. He was most famous for his jigging a usual expected treat at any social function. Summers meant so much to Irish as that was when his brother Chill (Delma) would come for their annual visit from Ontario. It was a time to catch up on news and compare car stories. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place and a Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, August 3 at 11:30 a.m. in the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church, Gonor, MB with Fr. Harry Oliynek officiating. The family would like to thank the staff at the Red River Place and Roger Stagg for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Diabetes Association or Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk, in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 02, 2000