Kody Joseph Furioso

2004 - 2021

September 19th, 2004 - June 29th, 2021

We are heartbroken to announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our beloved Kody, of Thunder Bay, in the very early hours of June 29th. He was tragically and senselessly taken from us, leaving us devastated and heartbroken. We are trying our best to come to terms with this living nightmare. He was so young; he had his entire life ahead of him with so many more adventures and experiences to be had, countless memories left to make. He was a 16-year-old boy who was just beginning his journey of life to becoming a man. The opportunity to see Kody grow up has been stolen from us and we feel lost without him.

Kody was born September 19th, 2004 at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Ontario due to it being a high-risk pregnancy. Kody was a special gift from day one. He wasn't supposed to be, but we were so fortunate that he was. He was a blessing, and we were so lucky to have him, even if only for a short time.

Kody was a natural athlete. He spent many years at the rinks playing hockey. We were so proud to watch him progress from not being able to skate at all to excelling at the sport. Him and his friends would often be seen at the school yards playing basketball as well. Humour was another gift of Kody's. He was so funny. He did the best impressions and was always making everyone laugh. His smile was contagious, lighting up the room. He also had the kindest heart of anyone I know. Kody would always want to help those less fortunate than him. He was respectful to his elders and would always smile at strangers and was the one to hold doors open for them.

Kody was a compassionate, empathetic person who was always there to offer comfort or just to lend an ear to his friends when needed. He also had an innate love for birds and animals where he was so gentle and caring towards them. He even brought home a lost quail he found once which became a family pet. When “Willy” laid it's first egg we were quite surprised, and Willy quickly became “Wilhelmina”. She also got to enjoy time with Kody at camp. Kody loved the outdoors. He was a natural outdoorsman. Bonfires were a favourite of his and he would be seen all over the place having them. Summers were always spent camping at a lake somewhere. We often wondered if he was part amphibian as he loved the water so much -- swimming, flips, diving and of course, fishing. He spent many hours as captain of his own boat and motor -- a gift from his Papa Jimmy when he was 10. He was so proud of it and loved to take us in it whenever he could.

He was always an extremely adventurous person. Kody had no fear -- other than for spiders and strangely enough for flying. He was NEVER afraid to try anything at least once; other than his vegetables. If it wasn't some kind of meat slathered in BBQ sauce, he wasn't interested. He was our courageous daredevil. Kody loved to ride anything on wheels -- bikes, quads, and dirt bikes. The faster it went and the muddier he got, the happier he was. He also loved to climb anything and everything -- trees, buildings, and mountains (the higher the better). He loved spending time with his buddies doing all sorts of shenanigans. Many I'm sure would turn my hair grey if I knew about them all. At times, his antics would get him into a bit of trouble. He definitely lived life to the fullest.

Kody spent all his elementary years at Westmount School, followed by a short time at Westgate High School. School was never his forte. He was very smart but he was a “hands-on, learn-as-you-go” type of person. Sitting in a classroom was always extremely difficult (tortuous) for Kody. I think the principals of the schools had me on speed dial. We always knew each other quite well. Most recently, Kody was enrolled in the Connections Program working on obtaining his high school diploma in a more conducive environment for his type of learning. Unfortunately, COVID-19 hit and virtual learning became even more of a challenge for Kody, but he continued to do his best. He dreamt of becoming an electrician, a welder, a mechanic, or a carpenter. Definitely doing something working with his hands was in his future. He was so awesome at landscaping our campsites over the years and he took extreme pride in his special flower “pot” gardening. Kody was just beginning to really tinker with tools and began learning how to fix all sorts of things. He was truly becoming the man of the house.

Kody loved his family very much. Left to mourn are his Momma Kathy, his best friend and sister, Kassidy and her boyfriend, Chris Laroche (who has been a big brother to Kody for over 5 years now); his father Kirk Furioso; his beloved Papa Jimmy (with whom he shared a special bond) and his “Gma” Chris Crocker; his Papa Rick Furioso; his Mummo Shirley Oikonen (Al Niemi) and Grandma Bonnie Carlson who he recently was lucky enough to connect with . Also left to mourn are his Uncle Kevin Crocker (Kim and Dylan Gordon); and aunts Kustava Gosling (daughter Eila), and Krysta Furioso (Dylan Doubt and their daughter Clementine); along with numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins in the Furioso, Crocker and Oikonen families. His faithful companion and best buddy, his dog Stanley, is also left with a huge void in his heart and seems so lost without him. They were inseparable and the best of friends. Kody was predeceased by his Grandma Dorothy Furioso.

Kody was lucky enough to spend his last day with his best friend, Adrien, who will always have a special place in our hearts.

Cremation has taken place. Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, a Celebration of Kody's life will be held at a later date. Updates will continue on the Facebook memorial page “In Loving Memory of Kody Furioso.” We are extremely grateful for all of the love and support we have been receiving from the entire community. It gives us some comfort knowing people care and Kody mattered.

FOREVER MISSED -- FOREVER 16

“If love could have saved you, you'd still be here.”
Until we meet again…
“Love ya, careful driving”

Condolences may be sent to
nwfainc@tbaytel.net