Kozub, Jerzy John "Jerry" (Died)

KOZUB, Jerzy John "Jerry" - One of the greatest gentleman to ever walk the Earth, passed away peacefully at Woodstock General Hospital, holding the loving hands of his daughter Barbara "Basia" and son-in-law Bobby "Bogdan", and surrounded with his family's love, on Saturday December 15th, 2012 in his 89th year. Beloved husband and best friend to Annie for over 64 and a half years. Dearly loved father of Zbysiu "Harry", who predeceased him on December 22nd, 2007 and Barbara (Bob) Niemiec. Cherished Jaju of Jeremy Kozub (Michelle Abbott, her children Joshua and Julia), Richard Kozub (Michelle), Katie Niemiec-Hodder (Jason) and Stephanie Niemiec. Adored Great-Jaju of Elissa Kozub and Ethan Hodder-Niemiec. Jerry was born in Gliwice, Poland on March 5th, 1924 to Roman and Valerie, their only child. What was of utmost importance to Jerry in life was his family. He married the love of his life, Annie, on June 12th, 1948 in Germany. Shortly thereafter, he came to Canada and settled in Woodstock, Ontario in 1948, to establish a life for them, and Annie soon followed him in 1949. A short while later, their love multiplied when they welcomed their pride and joys Harry on January 17th, 1952 and Barbara on August 10th, 1955. Their hearts would be blessed several times more upon the births of their grandchildren - Jeremy "Jeramiah" and Richard "Richu" on August 31st, 1974, Katie "Kiki" on March 4th, 19 81 and Stephanie "Stefchu" on October 29th, 1983. Then, just when they thought their life could not be more blessed, came the arrival of their great-grandchildren - Elissa on March 28th, 1999 and Ethan on September 16th, 2000. There is no one who worked harder in life than Jerry. While he held many jobs, his main employment was being a valued employee of LaFrance for 25 years. Jerry never really retired. He was always doing something and tirelessly worked around his house. People would always catch him sweeping his driveway every time they drove by. All this hard work earned him and Annie "One of the most beautiful properties in Woodstock" award, which they were very proud of. He was also a devoted Roman Catholic and a well-known presence in the community. Jerry was a simple man, who enjoyed the simple things in life. He was an avid fisherman and spent many a day at the Pittock Dam. Although he may not have always won the battle with the pike, due to the pesky catfish stealing his minnows, Jerry always came home with a prize winning catch! He even had to save Annie's day every now and then from the snapping turtles! Jerry enjoyed watching Toronto Blue Jay games and cheered them on in his favourite spot on the couch, while drinking a cup of coffee and one of Annie's home baked goodies by his side. One of Jerry's most favourite past times was playing cards, especially tysi?c with his family and he always made sure when someone had to throw money in the pot that they did - "Did you pay?" No one ever went hungry around Jerry. He was so lucky to have such an amazing cook for a wife, if he saw your plate empty, he would signal for you back to the kitchen to eat - "Eat More!" Anyone who was ever in Jerry's presence knew he was a special man. He would always embrace people into his home and his heart. He was the kindest, loving, most self-less and sweetest soul you would ever meet. He was the kind of man that would give you everything he had and would never expect anything in return. There will truly never be another like him. "We love you, don't forget!" Jerry's family will receive relatives and friends at the SMITH-LEROY FUNERAL HOME, 69 Wellington Street North, Woodstock (519 537-3611) on Monday December 17th from7-9pm, with a short prayer service at 7pm. Funeral Mass at Holy Cross Polish Mission, 169 Ingersoll Road, Woodstock on Tuesday, December 18th, 2012 at 10:00am, interment at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery to follow. Relatives and Friends are invited back to the Holy Cross Polish Mission Hall for a small reception. If desired, memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. On-line condolences may be sent at www.smithleroy.com