Obituary for Martin Stephen "Marty" Kozak
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Marty Kozak, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Marty passed away peacefully on December 28, 2021, surrounded by the love of his family.
Marty was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba where he grew up in the St. Boniface area. He loved sports, especially the game of hockey. In his younger years he played junior hockey for the Flin Flon Bombers and was later drafted by the Detroit Red Wings. After his hockey career, he enjoyed many other sports including curling and golf where he made many lifelong friends.
In 1954, Marty met the love of his life, Elaine Bruneteau, who he married in 1956. Together they raised 4 daughters who were their pride and joy. Marty adored his 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren who held a special place in his heart and brought him many hours of happiness.
As a young man, he began his career as a representative for Park and Tillford Distilleries. In the early 60’s, he made a move to the restaurant business, opening “Marty’s Drive-In” in 2 locations in St. Boniface. He then moved on to an automotive career in the late 60’s, which became his passion. In early 1980, Marty and his family moved to British Columbia where he continued his career in the car business until retirement.
Over the years, Marty and Elaine enjoyed travelling to many different parts of the world. He also enjoyed many wonderful vacations with his family.
Marty is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elaine Kozak, and his daughters, Cindy Hourd-Knight (David), Kim Kozak, Kathy Kropla (Jamie), and Kristy Kozak (Jason). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jordan Kropla (Pam), Ashley Couzens (Dustin), Kiara Kozak, Kaily Kozak, Brendan Murray, and Darian Murray; and great grandchildren, Molly & William Kropla, and Chloe & Harper
Couzens. He also leaves behind one brother David Kozak (Donna), brother-in-law John Bruneteau (Debbie), and favourite niece Stacie Bruneteau (Collin). Marty was predeceased by his parents, Millie and Max Kozak.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Royal Columbian Hospital for the wonderful care provided to Marty, and to Fraser Health Homecare Services for their help and support over the years. A special thank you to Ed and Greg for the excellent care they provided.
Marty will be greatly missed by all of those who knew and loved him. We shall remember him with love for his kindness and generosity, and he will forever remain in our hearts.
A celebration of life for Marty will be held at a future date.
Marty was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba where he grew up in the St. Boniface area. He loved sports, especially the game of hockey. In his younger years he played junior hockey for the Flin Flon Bombers and was later drafted by the Detroit Red Wings. After his hockey career, he enjoyed many other sports including curling and golf where he made many lifelong friends.
In 1954, Marty met the love of his life, Elaine Bruneteau, who he married in 1956. Together they raised 4 daughters who were their pride and joy. Marty adored his 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren who held a special place in his heart and brought him many hours of happiness.
As a young man, he began his career as a representative for Park and Tillford Distilleries. In the early 60’s, he made a move to the restaurant business, opening “Marty’s Drive-In” in 2 locations in St. Boniface. He then moved on to an automotive career in the late 60’s, which became his passion. In early 1980, Marty and his family moved to British Columbia where he continued his career in the car business until retirement.
Over the years, Marty and Elaine enjoyed travelling to many different parts of the world. He also enjoyed many wonderful vacations with his family.
Marty is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elaine Kozak, and his daughters, Cindy Hourd-Knight (David), Kim Kozak, Kathy Kropla (Jamie), and Kristy Kozak (Jason). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jordan Kropla (Pam), Ashley Couzens (Dustin), Kiara Kozak, Kaily Kozak, Brendan Murray, and Darian Murray; and great grandchildren, Molly & William Kropla, and Chloe & Harper
Couzens. He also leaves behind one brother David Kozak (Donna), brother-in-law John Bruneteau (Debbie), and favourite niece Stacie Bruneteau (Collin). Marty was predeceased by his parents, Millie and Max Kozak.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Royal Columbian Hospital for the wonderful care provided to Marty, and to Fraser Health Homecare Services for their help and support over the years. A special thank you to Ed and Greg for the excellent care they provided.
Marty will be greatly missed by all of those who knew and loved him. We shall remember him with love for his kindness and generosity, and he will forever remain in our hearts.
A celebration of life for Marty will be held at a future date.