Arnold Cecil Kozak, late of Weyburn, SK passed away on January 21, 2025 at the age of 83 years.
He was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Lydia Kozak.
Arnold is survived by his wife of 52 years, Shannon; brother Lloyd (Bev) Kozak of Calgary, AB; nieces: Lindsey (Dave) Larsen of Calgary, AB and their children, Bennett and Nolan, Chantal (Marcus) Scheffler of Germany and their children, Juliane and Vinzent; his aunt, Margaret Chomiak of Ancaster, ON and several cousins. Arnold is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Fern (Delbert) Lowe and Daphne (Leo) Bourassa; his brothers-in-law: Dale (Wendy) Arnason, Wayne (Marlene) Arnason, Lloyd (Tricia) Arnason, Arnold (Melanie) Arnason, along with 13 nieces and nephews and 20 great nieces and nephews on Shannon’s side of the family.
Arnold was born on the family farm in the Everton area, not far from Gerald, SK on December 27, 1941. In 1947 the family moved to a small farm at Gerald, SK. Arnold often talked about life on the farm, milking cows, picking stones, fixing fences, using horses during the haying season, and working the land for nearby farmers. The work was hard but Arnold and his brother, Lloyd, still found time to play ball and hockey, as well as attend movies and Saturday night dances.
Arnold’s mother, Lydia, instilled the love of the kitchen in her boys. It was not unusual to find Arnold in the kitchen preparing meals and exchanging recipes. He was known among his friends for his famous ‘Gibson Stew’.
Education was a big part of Arnold’s life. He attended school in Gerald for Grades 1 - 10, St. Joseph’s College in Yorkton for Grades 11 - 12, then on to Teachers’ College in Regina in 1961. He taught High School at Tantallon, SK from 1962 to 1964, serving first as Vice-Principal, then as Principal. In the fall of 1964 he went off to University in Saskatoon receiving his Bachelor Degree in both Arts and Education in 1967. During the summer months, Arnold would work at the IMC Potash Mines at Esterhazy to help pay for his education.
Arnold began teaching at the Weyburn Collegiate in 1967 and remained there until his retirement in 1994. Through the years, Arnold taught a variety of subjects, specializing in math, geography and the sciences.
Arnold married Shannon Arnason from Tantallon, SK on December 16, 1972 and they enjoyed 52 beautiful years together.
Arnold had many interests. He loved fishing and camping, even designing and building his first camper and upgrading his first little fishing boat in order to share in water activities with young family members and friends. Later they acquired a motor home and a new boat. Many of his nieces and nephews fondly remember the ‘Kozy Inn’, the boat rides and the campfires.
Arnold enjoyed photography, gardening and travel, visiting many parts of the world. In 1991, Arnold and Shannon were able to visit Ukraine, the homeland of his parents. This was a highlight, as they were able to stay at the farm home where his father was born.
In 1971 Arnold dedicated his life to serve Jehovah. He loved sharing with others the wonderful truths and practical advice found in the Bible, along with the hope of a better world to come, a time when “God himself will be with them. And He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry or pain be anymore. the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3,4)
A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. from the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1815 ~ 1st Avenue, Weyburn, SK. Luncheon followed the service at the Royal Canadian Legion, Weyburn Branch #47, 150 ~ 3rd Street, Weyburn, SK. Interment will be held at a later date at the Holar Cemetery, Tantallon, SK.
Shannon and family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the Weyburn General Hospital who provided care and comfort for Arnold, as well as the many friends and family members who called, messaged, visited Arnold at the hospital, sent meals, cards and flowers. We would also like to thank Tamara and her staff at RD Family Funeral Chapel for looking after the arrangements in such a caring manner. The outpouring of love and support is much appreciated.
Arrangements were entrusted to RD Family Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Weyburn, SK (848-0333 ~ 1-888-848-0333)
Expressions of sympathy to the family may be sent to our website at: “Honoring Life and Celebrating Memories"
