Obituary of DENNIS IVAN KOZIER

DENNIS IVAN KOZIER

Dec. 20, 1947 - Nov. 20, 2020

With great sorrow our family is sharing the sad news of Dennis Kozier’s passing on November 20, 2020.  After months of isolation from his children, followed by weeks of total isolation from family, Dennis contracted COVID-19 while in the hospital for cancer assessment.  Eleanor, his wife, along with their three sons Christopher, Michael and Daniel, were the only people permitted to visit once it had been determined death was imminent.  Tragically this permission was granted after he had become mostly unresponsive.  With few precious instances of lucidity, Dennis managed to hold on to life for five more days once his family returned to his side, until he ultimately succumbed to cancer.  His funeral mass and interment at Assumption Cemetery were held on November 26, 2020.  Due to public health order, five people were allowed in attendance.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife of forty-eight years Eleanor (née Sniezek), his three sons Christopher (Reesa Simmonds), Michael and Daniel; his treasured grandson and granddaughters David, Jordan and Sarah; his brothers and sister Kenneth (Shirley), Greg and Mary-Ann; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbours.  Dennis was predeceased by his parents Eugene and Jessie (née Borys) Kozier.

Dennis was born in Winnipeg on December 20, 1947.  He was a student of St. Edward the Confessor Catholic school and graduated from St. Paul’s High School, where he was recognized for outstanding public speaking, acting and leadership.  He also became the band leader, bass guitarist and singer in 'The First National Music Depression,' getting requested by the Guess Who's manager to "go to Vegas."  Dennis’ post-secondary education began in engineering, he took great pride in his contributions from design to completion in projects including; the Maryland Bridge piers, the roads and parking lots in Bloomberg and Crescent Drive Parks, and Winnipeg’s famous “Garbage Hill.”  He also surveyed for Ducks Unlimited. 

As a steadfast believer in the value of education, Dennis would alter his course from engineering to pursue several degrees completing a Bachelor of Arts, Education Certificate, Bachelor of Education, Master of Arts, and Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Education.  He valued being a student of Saint Paul's College at the University of Manitoba where he met the love of his life Eleanor. Their wedding on July 8th 1972, started a marriage that was a lifelong source of mutual strength and joy.

Dennis first taught at St. Paul’s High School and transitioned to the St. James Assiniboia School Division where he worked until 2003 at Lincoln, Westwood and Brooklands.  As a teacher, he felt blessed to play a formative role in hundreds upon hundreds of children’s and teenagers’ lives.  He was especially capable at coaching basketball and directing high school drama productions.

Although teaching may have been a passion, the most important thing to Dennis was his family.  He dedicated his life to his wife and three sons, always placing their happiness and wellbeing above his own.  His talents benefitted the family throughout his life, significantly improving the family home and cottage, along with converting his Chevy van into a luxury RV.  He was always available to help with any project whether it involved, academics, vehicles, construction or care for other family members.  He was a man of unwavering faith, and made Sunday mass a priority, even if it meant an early morning hour’s drive with the family from the cottage.  In all things he believed that people best learned by example.

Dennis enjoyed spending time at the lake, especially with the several dogs he cherished over the decades.  His other favorite destinations included Banff and Hawaii.  Some of the happiest moments that life offered were attending events with family, including Jets, Blue Bomber, and Grey Cup games, Paul McCartney and U2 concerts in Winnipeg, and playing with his three grandchildren.

Dennis was a person of profound patience, grace and generosity, his love for his family and his faith are a foundation in our lives.  His parting leaves an emptiness so unfathomably deep, particularly amidst a forced segregation from all other family and friends.