Date of Birth: May 26, 1946
Date of Death: April 24, 2017
It is with profound sadness that the family of Edward Kostyshyn announces his sudden passing on Monday, April 24, 2017, with his loving daughters at his side.
Ed was born on May 26, 1946, firstborn to Metro and Minnie Kostyshyn of Ukraina, Man. He was raised and received his education in Ethelbert, Man., but from the very beginning, it was evident that Ed was going to be a lifelong hard worker. He couldn’t wait to leave school and would find any excuse he could to help out on the family farm.
He started working away from home at the age of 16, when a job took him to work in a mine in British Columbia. After some time, he made his way back home to Manitoba where he met and married Helen Monita in June of 1968.
Ed started his lifelong career with Canadian National Railway in 1969, locating to Churchill, Man. It was there that they started their family, welcoming two bright, beautiful, brunette little girls. Sheila was born on New Year’s Day 1970 and Anita in September of 1973. Nothing meant more to him or made him prouder than his girls.
In 1976, Ed took a CNR transfer to Melville, Sask., where he worked as a car inspector and on the derailment crew until his retirement in 2001.
In his retirement, Ed got to do all the things he loved — hopping on the boat at Crooked Lake and reeling in the big ones. It was always a contest between Ed, his son-in-law, John, and lake buddy, Dan, to see who’d get the catch of the day. Eddie was a Mr. Fix-it — there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t tackle and succeed at making work perfectly again, from a simple household toaster to lawn mowers and tractors. Undoubtedly, his ability as a mechanical whiz will be greatly missed.
Eddie was also one of the very best entertainers you will ever have the privilege of meeting — his home was always open to anyone who stopped by. You never left hungry or thirsty and never missed a good story as he reminisced about the good old days. Ed loved to listen to, and play Ukrainian music and even learned how to play his cymbala quite well. He was also a very good dancer and especially loved a good old-fashioned Ukrainian polka to spin around the dance floor. He was fiercely proud of his Ukrainian heritage and roots.
Ed was always very thoughtful, always helping someone out, whether it be friends, acquaintances or family. He had a generous heart and would have offered the shirt off his back if it would help. He also had a passion for animals and made sure he always had a meal to feed one in need.
Edward will be deeply missed by his daughters and their families: Sheila and Walley Harrick of Melville, and Anita and her husband, John Lay, of Estevan. Also grieving this immense loss are his special treasures, grandsons, Dustin and Dylan; and granddaughter, Macayla.
Ed leaves to mourn: his brother, Morris (Fay) of Melville; and sisters, Diana (Chris) and Doreen (Jim) of Ethelbert, Man. He will also be missed by his nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Ed was predeceased by his parents, Metro in 1998; and Minnie in 2011.
The family wishes to thank Fr. Brent Kuzyk for your compassion and direction during this time of sorrow.
Ed’s funeral service was held Monday, May 1, 2017 at Matthews Funeral Home, Melville with the Rev. Fr. Brent Kuzyk officiating and cantor, Jason Kopan, singing the responses. The eulogy was given by Dustin Harrick and all who knew and loved Ed were considered honorary pallbearers.
Interment took place on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 in Riverside Cemetery, Dauphin, Man., with Fr. Kuzyk presiding and Dustin Harrick, Dylan Lay, Macayla Harrick, Lance Malowski, Brian Kostyshyn and Robert Low acting as pallbearers.
In keeping with Ed’s love of,
and concern for animals, the family requests that memorial donations be made to any local animal shelter or rescue organization of your choice.
Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
