Obituary for John Wolodymyr Kuzyk (Kuzyk)
KUZYK, John
(b. February 14, 1947) -
Sorrowfully, John Kuzyk passed away, Tuesday, February 4, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Loyal husband of 50 years to Olga (née Pastuch), dedicated Tato of Adrian (Heather), Lesia (Chris) and Laryssa (Mike), devoted Dido of Jamie, Kalyna, Dawson, Owen and Rose. Born to Petro and Kateryna (née Lys) and brother of Hanya (Vladyk) and Marika (David). John will be remembered fondly by his nieces and nephews, family and friends.
Love and integrity guided John, and he lived his life whole-heartedly. He is best described using superlatives, the word “super” precedes each of his qualities: generous, compassionate, enthusiastic, intelligent, proud, fun, health-conscious, clever, curious, honest, self-disciplined, creative, and loving, to name a few. Most of all he was a super friend to all who knew him.
John maintained life-long relationships with many people. As a “brother” to his St. Basil’s Boarding School classmates, and to his fellow architect alumni, his passing will leave a big hole in their lives. He was integral in organizing regular gatherings, ensuring their unending support for each other. John was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Beyond these groups, he made friends with everyone he met and was best friend to many other people. His childhood friends Joseph, Andy and Wally remain his “brothers.” Together, these little boys navigated their new destiny, Canada, as they grew into men. (Although, Wally was born in Canada)
John spent the first part of his architectural career as project manager on large-scale commercial construction projects in Toronto and across Canada. In the second part of his career, with his vast construction knowledge, he mentored people to craft beautiful custom homes. He was building a custom family home until his last days. But the biggest and strongest “home" was the one he built for his family, with it virtuous foundation.
John passionately studied world history and cultures. John and Olga travelled to the far corners of the world together, and experienced its many natural and cultural wonders. He was always excited about going on adventures with his sweetie.
John was fiercely proud of his Ukrainian ancestry and was actively involved in the vibrant Ukrainian-Canadian community in Toronto. He and his wife instilled this pride in their children and grandchildren. John’s “Passion Project” was with Canadian Friends of Ukraine, through which he helped establish 14 “Canada-Ukraine Library Centres” throughout Ukraine (1992-2006).
Thank you to the “angels” who cared for John. Deep gratitude to Dr. Jessica Zive, and the staff at Dorothy Ley Hospice; you went above and beyond to support our family in caring for John at home. Also, thank you to the many doctors, nurses and social workers in our medical system who have cared for John over the years. In lieu of flowers, donations to Help Us Help Veterans (https://helpushelp.charity/the-veterans) would be appreciated.
John is legendary: a friend, a gardener, a naturalist, a humanitarian, he showed a profound love and appreciation for all life. His Creed: You must do 3 things every day: 1) Make your bed, 2) Learn Something New, and 3) Make money. He wants you to remember to take your apple cider vinegar (and glucosamine with MSM and chondroitin)! John will be missed tremendously by all who knew him, and by his furry, feathered and leafy friends.
Resting at NEWEDIUK FUNERAL HOME, KIPLING CHAPEL, 2058 Kipling Avenue (North of Rexdale Boulevard), on Sunday, February 9, 2020 from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. Panakhyda Sunday 7:30 p.m. Divine Liturgy at St. Demetrius Church, 135 La Rose Avenue, on Monday, February 10, 2020 at 10 a.m. Private burial to follow. Online condolences at newediukfuneralhome.com
(b. February 14, 1947) -
Sorrowfully, John Kuzyk passed away, Tuesday, February 4, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Loyal husband of 50 years to Olga (née Pastuch), dedicated Tato of Adrian (Heather), Lesia (Chris) and Laryssa (Mike), devoted Dido of Jamie, Kalyna, Dawson, Owen and Rose. Born to Petro and Kateryna (née Lys) and brother of Hanya (Vladyk) and Marika (David). John will be remembered fondly by his nieces and nephews, family and friends.
Love and integrity guided John, and he lived his life whole-heartedly. He is best described using superlatives, the word “super” precedes each of his qualities: generous, compassionate, enthusiastic, intelligent, proud, fun, health-conscious, clever, curious, honest, self-disciplined, creative, and loving, to name a few. Most of all he was a super friend to all who knew him.
John maintained life-long relationships with many people. As a “brother” to his St. Basil’s Boarding School classmates, and to his fellow architect alumni, his passing will leave a big hole in their lives. He was integral in organizing regular gatherings, ensuring their unending support for each other. John was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Beyond these groups, he made friends with everyone he met and was best friend to many other people. His childhood friends Joseph, Andy and Wally remain his “brothers.” Together, these little boys navigated their new destiny, Canada, as they grew into men. (Although, Wally was born in Canada)
John spent the first part of his architectural career as project manager on large-scale commercial construction projects in Toronto and across Canada. In the second part of his career, with his vast construction knowledge, he mentored people to craft beautiful custom homes. He was building a custom family home until his last days. But the biggest and strongest “home" was the one he built for his family, with it virtuous foundation.
John passionately studied world history and cultures. John and Olga travelled to the far corners of the world together, and experienced its many natural and cultural wonders. He was always excited about going on adventures with his sweetie.
John was fiercely proud of his Ukrainian ancestry and was actively involved in the vibrant Ukrainian-Canadian community in Toronto. He and his wife instilled this pride in their children and grandchildren. John’s “Passion Project” was with Canadian Friends of Ukraine, through which he helped establish 14 “Canada-Ukraine Library Centres” throughout Ukraine (1992-2006).
Thank you to the “angels” who cared for John. Deep gratitude to Dr. Jessica Zive, and the staff at Dorothy Ley Hospice; you went above and beyond to support our family in caring for John at home. Also, thank you to the many doctors, nurses and social workers in our medical system who have cared for John over the years. In lieu of flowers, donations to Help Us Help Veterans (https://helpushelp.charity/the-veterans) would be appreciated.
John is legendary: a friend, a gardener, a naturalist, a humanitarian, he showed a profound love and appreciation for all life. His Creed: You must do 3 things every day: 1) Make your bed, 2) Learn Something New, and 3) Make money. He wants you to remember to take your apple cider vinegar (and glucosamine with MSM and chondroitin)! John will be missed tremendously by all who knew him, and by his furry, feathered and leafy friends.
Resting at NEWEDIUK FUNERAL HOME, KIPLING CHAPEL, 2058 Kipling Avenue (North of Rexdale Boulevard), on Sunday, February 9, 2020 from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. Panakhyda Sunday 7:30 p.m. Divine Liturgy at St. Demetrius Church, 135 La Rose Avenue, on Monday, February 10, 2020 at 10 a.m. Private burial to follow. Online condolences at newediukfuneralhome.com