Obituary of MAURICE KOHUT

MAURICE KOHUT –WEB OBITUARY

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Maurice Kohut, husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, brother, and friend on Dec. 19, 2020 at St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 94 years. He is survived by his loving wife Stella; four children: Dr. June (Brent) Kohut-Day, Elaine (Cliff) Packer, Jim (Zume) Kohut, and Shaun (Patricia) Kohut; six grandchildren: Mary Ellen, Mark (Rachel), Dr. Matthew, Michael, and Maury Packer, and Dr. Brittney (Caleb) Friesen; two great-grandsons: Roan Friesen and Holden Packer; two sisters: Ann Woytowich and Elsie (Don) Wabick; two brothers: Walter and Peter (Valerie); one brother-in-law: Bill Mandziuk; many nephews, nieces, extended family and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents: John and Efffie; brothers: Bill and Mike; sisters: Josie and Jennie; brothers-in-law: Paul Woytowich and Peter Mihaychuk; and sister-in-law Jean.

Maurice was born in Rosa, MB, where he attended a one-room school for Grades 1 to 9 and completed his high school education at United College in Winnipeg. He began his teaching career by permit teaching in rural MB, following which he obtained his teaching training at the Manitoba Provincial Normal School. His teaching career extended over a period of forty years including teaching in one-room schools in rural Manitoba, at Munroe Junior High School in East Kildonan, at River East Collegiate, and at Nelson McIntyre Collegiate. For a number of years he was principal in Alonsa and Clearwater High Schools. At Norwood School Division he accepted the position of teacher-librarian and supervisor of Audio Visual Department for Norwood School Division where he remained until his retirement in 1988. All along he continued with University courses graduating with B.A., B.Ed., and M.Ed. degrees. He also received a certificate from Red River Community College in television and Radio Electronics servicing.

He loved teaching and interacting with students, always willing to listen to them and encourage them to do their best. Years later he would often run into former students and surprise them by remembering them and their achievements. The highlight of his teaching career was when he and his wife were asked to teach summer school at the Teachers’ College on the island of St. Lucia in the Caribbean (OCOD sponsored). It was a very rewarding and memorable experience.

Maurice and Stella were both raised in the same community and attended the same school in their early years. It was only after high school and teachers college that they formed a more intimate relationship, sharing similar interests, and attending together many social and religious functions which led to their marriage in 1954. They travelled together throughout Manitoba, across Canada, to many places in United States (Hawaii, Florida, Michigan, Montana), and Caribbean Islands. Maurice enjoyed working in the garden and planting trees at their farm and cottage. His other interests were reading, studying other languages, working with electronics and computers, photography, playing saxophone and keyboard, hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing.

His children, grandchildren, and great-grandsons were his pride and joy. He loved to do things with them and for them--- chauffeuring them for their piano and swimming lessons, to their friends’ birthday parties, to their concerts and music festivals. All along he encouraged them to do their best and he praised them for their achievements. He enjoyed taking them along trips to many places throughout Canada and United States, to Caribbean Islands, or just a short trip to Kenora or Detroit Lakes. Spending a weekend or summer holidays at the farm or later at the cottage was their best trip.

Maurice and Stella attribute all their successes to their faith and trust in God for guidance and help. They were members of the Holy Eucharist Catholic Church at Rosa until they moved to Winnipeg and became members of the Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church there. Maurice was treasurer of the Parish Council for five years and worked very closely with the other members of the Council on parish matters. He and his family participated in many church activities including prayer group meetings and other charismatic events. In 1966 Maurice joined the Knights of Columbus, St. Josephat Council #4138 and a few years later he transferred to Holy Family Council #8499. For a number of years he was the membership director in the Council. Later he joined the 4th Degree in the Canon Luhovy Assembly #374, where he was elected Faithful Comptroller for the Assembly. He took pride in serving in the Honour Guard for church and social functions, funerals, and parades.

From his youth Maurice trusted God completely to guide and to sustain him.

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,

From whence cometh my help.

My help cometh from the Lord,

Who made heaven and earth?”             (Psalm 121)

We wish to express our deep appreciation to Dr. Hilary Bews and nurses Faye and Natasha from the PARR Intensive Care Unit at St. Boniface Hospital for their compassionate care of Maurice during his final hours of life. Also many thanks to Father John Mostinsky for anointing Maurice and giving him his last rites.

A burial service will be celebrated on December 28, 2020 at 12:00 noon at Cropo Funeral Chapel by Father John Mostinsky. Interment will be at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens at 4477 Main Street in West St. Paul, MB. Livestream available by link on the left side of this page (drop down menu if on mobile) or on OneRoomStreaming.com with following credentials.

Event ID: CropoFSthomas         Password: GCKHJN

Flowers gratefully declined. If so desired, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Vichnaya Pamyat (Eternal Memory)