Gerald Kozak

Gerald (Jerry) Leo Kozak

With broken hearts we are sad to announce that an amazing man has been called home for his outstanding duty. Gerald (Jerry) Leo Kozak passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday, March 27, 2017 at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

Jerry leaves behind the love of his life and soulmate of 53 years Mary, his daughters, Linda and Laura (Troy); cherished grandchildren Jordon and Carlynn; siblings, Sonia, Robert (Rody), Joseph (Mary), Barbara (Henry), Edward (Debbie), numerous nieces and nephews and many close friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his father, mother, father and mother-in-law and brother-in-law Dennis.

Jerry will be remembered as a kind, compassionate, loving, generous and all around nice guy with a great sense of humour, a quiet smile and a warm hug. He cherished his wife Mary and loved his family very much and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Jerry enjoyed various outdoor activities, spending time with his family, adding to his rock collection, watching the wildlife in his backyard and he would cook up the best fish fry you ever tasted! He enjoyed his adventures on the lake with family and friends. He had very fond memories of several fly in fishing trips with his grandson over the years and also enjoyed watching his granddaughter participate in her various activities.

In addition to fulfilling his numerous family roles, with pride, love and loyalty, Jerry proudly served his country with the Canadian Armed Forces at home and abroad. He also had a stellar career of 25 years with the Ontario Provincial Police moving up the ranks to Traffic Sargeant at the time of retirement. Jerry was proud to wear the OPP uniform and worked in the Bowmanville, Newcastle and Kenora detachments during the course of his career. After retiring from the OPP, he worked as Security for the Dickenson Gold Mine in Red Lake and then as the manager at the Kenora Shoppers Mall. Jerry was associated with 116 Independent Field Battery RCA and volunteered with the Kenora 774 Army Cadet Corps. He was also a Legion member for over 30 years.

As per Jerry’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no funeral service will be held. A private family Graveside Service will take place in Winnipeg at a future date.

The family sends a heartfelt thank-you to the emergency response personnel, the OPP and the emergency staff at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital for their efforts and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.

See you later Jerry/dad/grandpa; thank you for everything you did for us. We will never forget you and will think of you every day! We embrace the day we will meet up with you again and are looking forward to the comfort of being wrapped up in one of your loving bear hugs! We love you! “You did good!” OOOXXX Rest in Peace.

“Don’t be ashamed to weep; tis right to grieve. Tears are only water and flowers, trees and fruit cannot grow without water. But there must be sunlight also. A wounded heart will heal in time and when it does, the memory and love of our lost ones is sealed inside to comfort us. – Brian Jacques, Taggerung

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

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