We Remember

KOZAK,  Michael

October 23, 1929 — January 1, 2019

It is with deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our loving father, grandfather and uncle, Michael Kozak at the age of 89. He is predeceased by his parents William and Rose Kozak, and loving wife Sophie. Michael is survived by his son Michael David, daughter-in-law Gaylor, grand daughter Jessica, his brother Bill, and nieces Jodi Harris and Zina Gagnon, and through marriage, nieces Linda Downey and Deanna Zukowski, nephew Dwayne Zukowski and cousins Pauline Warwick and Gloria Meeder.

Michael was born in Drumheller Alberta and raised in Beverly. He was schooled, married and started his family in Edmonton. His career as an airline executive saw him and his small family transfer to the Toronto area in 1974, where they settled in Bolton, Ontario. Upon retirement Michael and Sophie moved to the Okanagan in 1989.

As the Director of Catering and Commissary at Wardair Canada Michaels’ dedication, pride, and work ethic helped contribute to the building of Wardairs’ reputation and legacy as a world class airline. He spoke often of all the valued friends, colleagues and opportunities derived from that chapter of his life.

His “retirement years” in British Columbia didn’t last long as Michael decided to start his own business in the beer and wine making trade. He opened Michael’s Beer Factory Inc in 1992. His successful business is still run today by his family now known as Michael’s Beer and Wine Studio in Kelowna.

Michael was a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner.

He was good man, an honest man, a proud man and above all a gentleman. He will be missed by many friends, family and acquaintances.

Funeral Services for Michael will take place on Monday January 14th at 1:00pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.

In lieu of flowers Michael has requested donations to be made to the Shriners Charities.

THIS SERVICE WILL BE LIVE STREAMED/BROADCAST MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2019  AT  1:00 PM

Service
Monday January 14th at 1:00 pm

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

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Service Information

Service Details


The service for KOZAK,  Michael is scheduled for Monday January 14th at 1:00 pm . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

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Condolences

  • Christopher P. Lee says:
    January 11, 2019 at 6:38 am

    My up most sincere Condolences goes out to Mike’s family and to all concerned. I worked with Mike in Edmonton at Wardair Hanger in Catering and Commissary. He was a great boss. RIP Mike. God Bless.

    Reply
  • Ted Green says:
    January 11, 2019 at 5:13 pm

    My condolences to Michael’s family. I worked with Mike for 16 years and always respected him as a boss and a good friend. He will be sadly missed. I’m unable to attend the funeral service but have made a donation in Michael’s memory. RIP Mike.

    Reply
  • Nancy Stenhouse says:
    January 14, 2019 at 12:37 am

    Have known Mike since early 70’s. as a colleague and became neighbours and good friends with the family here in Ontario. Mike was part of the incredible catering reputation Wardair had and is still talked about to this day. In retirement years he joined us on many cruising holiday adventures which bring happy memories. David and family, our thoughts are with you and will participate through the live broadcast. Nancy & Maurizio

    was a natural for his role at Wardair

    Reply
  • Chris Nicolson says:
    January 17, 2019 at 7:00 pm

    I worked with Michael (The Koze) directly and indirectly for many years. I admired his unyielding commitment to our product and values. And, his ability to see a way through the many difficult times we faced. I’m sure the rest of the back shop boys feel the same. Our sympathies to his surviving family and the rest of his fans..

    Reply

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They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke