KOZIKOWSKI, Jerzy Paul “George”

June 5, 1947 — February 2, 2025

It is with profound sadness that the family of Jerzy “George” Kozikowski, known to many as Jungle, passed away in the early hours of February 2, 2025, at the age of 77. Survived by his daughters Kim Miller (Willie) and Lisa Dommasch; grandchildren Travis, Stephanie, Jake, Jesse, Alysha, Johnathan, Payton, Carter, and Kate; sisters, Dorothe Cazabon and Margaret Kozikowski; sister-in-law, Gail Schuck; along with great-grandchildren, a niece, nephews, and countless dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Klara Kozikowski; his daughter Cindy Rottenfusser; grandson Jordan Stoliker; and the love of his life, Judy.

George was born in Germany June 5, 1947, and immigrated with his family to eastern Canada as a young boy. He grew up in Ontario and was an exceptional student; graduating from Grade 13 at the age of 17 — he often referred to himself as a “borderline genius”. He excelled in hockey as a goaltender… That’s right… A goalie — the special breed of people that are weird creatures of habit and rather neurotic. He was the man that rotated his gonch drawer — cleanest at the back, just like the mugs in the cupboard or the cutlery in the drawer. And, he always had to fill his gas tank when it was still ¾ full — never less than half! He was not an introvert, like the reputation of a tender would typically dictate. He was always the life of the party, loved being social, and was rarely found without a cold Molsen in his hand. George worked with Bell Canada until 1970, when he and a few buddies decided they would take a road trip west — he never looked back.

George settled in Kelowna, BC shortly after that trip, met Judy, and the life of George and Judy began… Quite comical to some. Their relationship was one-of-a-kind, to say the least, but the unwavering love they had for each other was remarkable. It’s really quite funny that Judy believed that golf started at 6 am and a round lasted until 4 pm; but, often when he returned home, he would be banished to the basement as he was obviously over-served at one of his favourite watering holes. George became one of four owners of Comet Transport in the early 1980s. He had a successful career in the trucking industry until the business was sold, and he retired in his early 50s. He didn’t last long at home, however; riding Judy’s last nerve with his idiosyncrasies, and he quickly opted to go back to work. After that decision, he became one of the top salesmen at Kelowna Chrysler Dodge Jeep until 2014. He left a legacy greater than he could have imagined, not only in car sales, but in his life as well.

After the passing of Judy in 2020, George relied heavily on his friends for the support he needed to push through. He continued with his love for 10-hour golf rounds but also spent many hours between Moby’s (The Blue Gator), Baxters, and 97th Street drinking and reminiscing with the boys. With a devilish grin on his face, he could say the most politically incorrect statement and no one would take offence. It wasn’t until 2023, when his health turned, that he had to give up drinking. He underwent a couple of large surgeries and escaped death numerous times. We always referred to him as a cat with 9 lives; he used every last one of them, he had such a will to live — even until his last breath.

While we are devastated by his loss, we are grateful for the unforgettable years spent with him. In time, we won’t remember how he died but how he lived… Legendary.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring, at 97th Street Pub, one last hurrah in Jungle’s honour. He will reside in the Legacy Gardens Niche, at Kelowna Memorial Cemetery — reunited with Judy.

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