Gregg Kozyra

Gregg Edward Kozyra

Peacefully, and surrounded by the family Gregg Edward Kozyra passed away on July 29, 2023, at Grace Hospice after a battle with cancer. 

He was predeceased by his father Edward, his mother Bernice, and his sister Del-Marie.  He is survived by his children Kurt and Lisa, as well as his granddaughter and the apple of his eye Jordyn.

Gregg was born in Winnipeg and grew up in Windsor Park.  He also spent time at the family farm north of Beausejour as a child where he fell in love with the area.  He had a love for cars, baseball and hockey growing up, sadly becoming a Toronto Maple Leafs fan.  Early in his adult life, he began working at the Winnipeg Free Press where he excelled in sales and advertising winning multiple Salesmen of the Year awards.  Later in his 30-year career at the Free Press, he drove trucks on the midnight run.

After retiring from the Free Press, he was able to work at his favourite car dealership Park Pontiac, where he drove the shuttle van.  His last full-time employment was driving trucks for Habitat for Humanity where he was able to do two things he loved; driving around the city and finding great deals on things he might use in the future.  During this time, he also worked part-time at the Liquor Mart in Transcona where he enjoyed running into people from days passed.

During the last 15 years of his life, Gregg lived in the Lady Barbara apartments on Regent Ave where he became the property manager. 

Gregg enjoyed many things over the course of his life including boats.  When he camped at Nutimik Lake he boasted to have the fastest boat on the water.  His camping career was cut short by his desire to purchase the old logging area near the family farm and transform it into his personal playground.  He worked tirelessly to transform the property from a grown-in, mostly forgotten space, to a park-like atmosphere.

However, the true joys of his life were his children and granddaughter. He enjoyed taking the family on trips to Kenora, Grand Forks, and South Dakota.  The big trip was to Disney Land in Anaheim where he insisted on driving due to his fear of flying.

Gregg loved taking the kids snowmobiling, and here again, where he liked to go fast. 

He loved watching Kurt play hockey, continuing to do so as he competed in Police tournaments during adulthood.  He loved following Kurt’s career in Policing and routinely called him “Sarge” after his promotion.

You could always count on him to help you out, and whatever you needed from the “Shop of Dad” or “Aisle 6 Home Depot”. His love of vehicles and taking pride in them was passed down to his children and Lisa will enjoy taking care of his beloved truck, continuing the tradition of taking it camping in the Whiteshell with her trailer.

He was extremely proud of the success both Lisa and Kurt had in life and was fiercely protective until his last days, more worried about his kid’s wellbeing than his own. 

And then there was his granddaughter Jordyn.  As Lisa called her on Greggs's 60th birthday, she was a game changer.  They spoiled beyond belief and the only person who could get him to go to a concert, never mind the Back Street Boys!! 

We would like to thank the Sussex team for all the support they gave Dad during this difficult time, as well as his lifelong friend Gerry who was there with company and support during his final months.

One of his last days out of the apartment, and our hospital was spending Father’s Day weekend at Falcon Lake.  He was able to take one last boat ride, see one last eagle, eat one last steak, and have one last bonfire.  A perfect end to a life well lived.

You will miss Pops.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

www.natureconservancy.ca

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