Obituary of John Kobzey
Feb 19, 1922 - Mar 25, 2022
It is with great sadness, that we announce the passing of John at the age of 100. He was born in South Porcupine to the late Nicholas Kobzey and Justina Bohoslawec. John was proud of his Ukrainian heritage. John was predeceased by siblings Mike, Dora, Mary, and daughter Mary-Louise. Beloved husband of Joyce Scanlon and the late Isobel Mason and the late Helen Kirby. He leaves behind his children William, Elizabeth Costa, Robert (Brenda), as well as stepchildren Michael Connolly (Chantale), Peter Connolly (Elaine) and Christopher Connolly. Proud grandfather to Mike, Ryan (Morgan), Dale and Leontina and step grandfather to Christine (David) and Kathleen (Olivier), great grandfather to 9 and great great grandfather to 1.
John joined the Navy in 1941 and upon release as a Chief Petty Officer, tried his hand at various endeavors. He decided to embark on an education career path as a teacher and then principal until his retirement.
John was a man of infinite curiosity, never afraid to embark on a new project or hobby. During his lifetime, John was a bee keeper, mink rancher, boat builder, built a cabin in Northern Ontario on Wilson Lake with hand tools and materials hauled across the lake in his home made boat. As the years went by, John’s activities included making maple syrup, gardening, fishing, sailing, photography and coast to coast motorcycle tours. More serious endeavors included being on the Oakville Town Council and Halton Conservation Authority. In his 7th decade John took up and became proficient at creating all types of pottery, which he was proud to share with family and friends. He loved life, family and will be sorely missed.
The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all the staff at the Perley Rideau Veterans R1S wing for their compassionate care of John in the brief time he spent with them. The empathy all staff showed towards John and his family was truly appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s name to your local Dementia Society
The family will receive friends at the Pinecrest Cemetery, 2500 Baseline Rd, Ottawa on Wednesday March 30, 2022 at 1pm, with Funeral Service starting at 2pm followed by interment and refreshments.
Funeral Service
Interment Information
Pinecrest Remembrance Services
2500 Baseline Rd
Ottawa, ON K2C 3H9
Telephone: (613) 829-3600
Fax: (613) 829-8357
Email: info@pinecrest-remembrance.com