It is with heavy hearts that our family announces the passing of our father / grandfather, Walter 'Bud' Kozera on December 8, 2021. A life-long resident of Whitney Pier, he was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was the son of Peter and Loretta (Penny) Kozera and the brother of Donald, Frank, Bernard, Betty Ann and Shirley.
Left to grieve are his son John (Donna) Kozera of Margaree; daughter Kelley (Gary) Gittis of Exton, Pennsylvania; five grandchildren, Matthew (Marylee) Kozera of Viewmount ; Kristina (Kyle) Bushell of Greenwood; Samantha (Meaghan Frizzell) Kozera of Truro; Daniel (Lauren Keech) Gittis of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Andrew (Sydney Shopa) Gittis of Edmonton, Alberta; as well as five great-grandchildren, Liam, Aiden and Catherine Kozera, Felix Gagnon, Josie Bushell.
It’s hard to put into words what our “Pop” meant to the family. Throughout his life, he always found a way to make each of us feel so special, and loved us unconditionally. He was our “go to guy” for advice because we knew that he always had our best interests in his heart. He was proud of each of us and never missed an opportunity to let us know. We will miss him and the love that he gave so freely. While our family will grieve our loss, we take comfort in knowing that Pop is reunited with the love of his life, our beautiful “Nan”, Margie (MacNeil), as well as the rest of his family.
After 37 years of work at the Steel Plant, he retired and focused his time on caring for his family and spending as much time hunting and fishing as possible. Many blueberries were picked and many pies were made. So many memories and laughs were created during these years, which we all treasure and hold dear. His greatest gift to us was that he showed us what it means to love someone and what it means to be family. Nan and Pop will live on in each of us and how we continue to live our lives and love our family.
The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to Peter John Kozera, for his unending care and support for “Uncle Bud”. Thank you for always being there for our family. We would also like to thank Welsford Moules for being such a great friend and outstanding neighbour.
A special thanks to Dr. Steven MacDougall for the years of continuing care and advice. Thank you also to the staff of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for their kindness and compassion, To the residents of Whitney Pier, and all others who gave their support so freely, thank you for all you did. You have forever touched our lives.
A Celebration of Life will be held at TW Curry Parkview Chapel, on Monday April 11th at 10 am with Father Bill Burke officiating, an interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
