Obituary of Eugene Kosteckyj

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Eugene Kosteckyj on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at Holy Family Home. He passed at the age of 81 after living with dementia since the age of 70. Eugene’s memory will be cherished by his children Natalia (Neil), Olga (Victor), Oksana, and Vladimir, his wife Danuta and his grandchildren Ivan, Thom and Timothy. He was predeceased by his parents Jawdochka and Mychaylo. Eugene was born in 1938 in Ozirna, Ukraine. He and his parents fled front line conflict and after a short work term on a German farm, followed by time spent in a displaced persons camp, he moved to Brazil as a refugee. Eugene spent his early days living in Prudentopolis, Brazil and retained many fond memories from this time. In 1958 his family was sponsored by the Redemptorist Fathers at St Vladimir’s College and their North American dream was finally realized in the small farming community of Roblin, MB. Eugene schooled at St Vladimir’s college with added responsibilities including carpentry, grounds work and kitchen help. Eugene was a” Jack-of-All Trades” which continued throughout his life as he pursued his hobbies including gardening, auto restoration, woodworking, bee keeping and of course finding “the deal” at local auctions. Eugene’s time at St. Vladimir’s College, along with commercial cooking training in Yorkton, SK, led him to his career with CN, managing the food car, feeding CN rail workers. He spent significant time away from home, but upon return always found the time and energy to feed friends and family with roladin, borscht and his famous pies. Eugene will be remembered by his kind, generous and trusting nature. His home was open to anyone for a coffee or drink, a meal or a place to stay. No questions asked. The Family would like to express their gratitude to the Nurses and Health Care Aids at Holy Family Home for their compassionate care throughout his residency. A funeral liturgy will be celebrated at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Parish 737 Bannerman Ave, on Friday January 17, at 10:00 AM followed by a celebration of life in the reception hall. In lieu of flowers, donations to Holy Family Home’s Lubov SSMI Foundation or the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba would be greatly appreciated.