John Morris Kuzik

Despite our belief that he was invincible, we are devastated to announce the passing of John Morris Kuzik, in the early evening of July 22, 2021. His was a life well lived and he was well loved.

John is survived by his wife, Sandra and his two adoring daughters, Allison Bazaluk (Chris) and Rylee Melchiorre (Nick) and his grandsons Mason and Nico.

Described by his grandson as being “the most nice, kind, genuine person he has ever met”, John accepted everyone and refused to dismiss or judge anyone. He loved being with people and enjoyed talking to anyone and everyone. He was sure to greet you with a smile on his face and a kiss and a hug. Thoughtful and generous, John was always available to give advice or lend a hand. His first words to you when you were welcomed into his home were most certainly “what can I get you to drink?” and your glass would somehow never get empty.

John was born on April 02, 1947 to parents William and Pauline (nee Caban) and he grew up in Port Arthur with his brothers Bill and Dennis. He attended Oliver Road Public School and went to high school at Port Arthur Collegiate Institute where he met the love of his life Sandra. With a smile on his face and a sparkle in his eye, he often told the story of the first time he saw her in a class they shared. Acting out the scenario, he demonstrated how he did a double take when he saw her and said he knew at that moment he had to figure out a way to meet her. John briefly went on to the University of North Dakota on a Wrestling scholarship, but returned home to continue studies at Lakehead because he missed Sandra so much. They later married and together raised their daughters, recently celebrating their 51st wedding anniversary on July 4th.

John and Sandra were a formidable team, building a life together that was truly enviable. They purchased a small house on Lakeshore Drive and with much hard work transformed it into their dream property. Home renovations were a passion of John's and he was forever working on a project for himself or others. His patience, attention to detail and problem solving abilities made him an excellent craftsman. John also loved to travel and he and Sandra were always off exploring the world on some adventure together. They embraced the snowbird way of life, spending winters away in Portugal, Palm Springs and in recent years had enjoyed several seasons in Marco Island, Florida collecting friends and memories wherever they went.

John enjoyed a successful career in banking, starting as a Financial Advisor at Royal Trust and then moving on to manage several Royal Bank branches. Following his retirement from the bank, he went back to financial advising with Scotia McLeod where he worked for a short time before deciding to officially end his formal career. Along the way he was lucky to have made many lasting friendships amongst his work colleagues.

Despite the demands of the other responsibilities in his life, John still found time to give back to his community in many roles. Over the years he was involved with Kiwanis, served on the board of Shelter House Thunder Bay and chaired the 24 hour Corporate Relay as well as the Dragon Boat Festival.

John truly had a heart for children and would often hoist up a little one and walk around with them while he entertained their parents. His own daughters, Allison and Rylee were lucky to call him dad. His face would light up when they walked into a room and he made sure to tell them how beautiful he thought they were every time he saw them. John was a patient father who taught his girls to appreciate life. He loved a good debate but was open minded enough to allow his daughters to form their own opinions and make their own mistakes. Perhaps the brightest stars in John's life were his grandsons Mason and Nico. He was endlessly proud of their accomplishments and their biggest fan. His love for his family was truly unconditional.

An outdoor celebration of John's life will be held at the Kuzik residence, on Saturday August 7th, 850 Lakeshore Drive. Arrival beginning at 2:00pm to complete COVID screening with service at 3:00pm. Parking available at 840 Lakeshore Drive – ride share when possible. Please bring stories of John to share. Covid protocols to be followed.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated or in John's spirit of generosity, please complete an unexpected, unsolicited act of kindness for someone in his name.

Condolences may be offered at
www.harbourviewfuneral.ca