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BORN
1938
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
Edward Kowalyk Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Kowalyk
27 Entries
Irene Pozzolo
December 22, 2020
Today I leafed throught the Times Colonist and found myself looking at a picture of a man I truly admired, and the news he'd passed away last year. My heart is broken. Mr. Kowalyk was my Social Studies teacher at Esquimalt High School for two years, where I gained a great appreciation for history and storytelling. He was so engaged and cared about his students. He was a breathe of fresh air and I looked forward to his class because he had a way of bringing history to life. Esquimalt was fortunate to have very strong teachers in this area, with those early socials classes launching me into higher level history classes, and inspiring travel across Canada and the globe. I am so saddened to hear of his passing but feel so fortunate to have had this teacher at that key time in my education. He made a difference to me and I will be forever thankful. I will raise a glass in his honour tonight and send my love to his family. I have no doubt the void he left is hard to fill but hopefully the memories can fill that space. I only wish I had run into him later in adulthood to thank him personally. My deepest and sincerest condolences.
Joaquin Kline
November 7, 2020
Mr. Kowalyk was my social studies teacher and I had him as well for law in Esquimalt High. He was by far my favorite teacher during high school.
He knew that I was from the States and as such would often be interested to hear what I knew about the structure of the United States and its institutions of government, it’s policies and influence. I’m sure inwardly he was humoring me but he let me feel as if I had something important to share and that inspired me. I was always appreciative that he actually took a keen interest in my insight as no adult male had done besides my paternal grandfather.
One funny story I can recall was the North American Free Trade agreement sometime in the late 80s that was proposing to include Mexico. Mr. Kowalyk’s understood how nearly impossible and poorly executed such an agreement would be for Canada and in his powerful explosive way, with an expressive gesture which he may have often utilized during his lecture he punctuated it at its end by slamming his leather wallet down on his table and shouted something like, “Nothing in this wallet here is worth anything” and grabbed his coat and walked out of the classroom presumably for lunch with it sitting there 10-20 minutes before the class even ended. Many of my classmates took the opportunity to have an early lunch as well. Some of us sat there for a few minutes policing each other making sure that the wallet was not disturbed and also to express some shock and amazement.
My brother who came through his classes four years later, and as I recall expressed similar remembrances of him including one instance where he ripped up, as the story goes a large denomination bill out of frustration probably at that time for some other governmental act or deed of misconduct.
I’m sitting here November 2020 having taken his class 30+ years ago, shocked to hear of his passing, but pleased to hear of his peaceful and pleasurable retirement.
Rest in peace Mr. Kowalyk’s and thank you for your friendship, passion and leadership.
John Lancaster
December 31, 2019
Along with other members of Vic High's Class of '56 my life was darkened to learn of our esteemed classmate's passing. Ed was a regular attendee at our reunions for over half a century. To those who mourn, my condolences.
Susan King
December 31, 2019
Mr. Kowalyk taught me at Esquimalt High. (Grad 91') I loved listening to him speak. He made light of many historic things in a way that sparked interest and excitement. He was a wonderful teacher. Thank you Mr. Kowalyk.
Terrance Lam
December 31, 2019
My passion for history and truth was because of you Mr. Kowalyk. I would never have grown to respect history like you had taught me. You'll always be an inspiring mentor and a hero to me. Thank you for the legacy you left behind for so many others including myself. My sympathy goes out to your loved ones. RIP Mr. Kowalyk
Nicki Pollard (nee Dunn )
December 30, 2019
Thank you Mr Kowalyk for the memories in your social studies classes. As well as the long conversations regarding hockey in your classroom. I appreciate all that you taught me in your classes.
Ms. Varcoe,
My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Just a note to you as well, I believe you to be my former teacher as well at Tillicum elementary. I remember your ukelele classes well.. I can still play hot cross buns.
Steve Taylor
December 30, 2019
I am so saddened by the news of my "uncle" Eds passing. Having grown up with Ukrainian grandparents who were best friends with Eds parents he was always my "Uncle" Ed. I got my first pair of lacrosse gloves from Ed when I was 6 and was always so proud of Ed and his brother Norms achievements both in sports and then later in their respective careers. Over time we lost touch but happened to meet again a few years ago at a Shamrock game and the stories poured out of us about his parents and my grandparents.My condolences to his entire family in this time of sorrow. I will never forget the kindness and guidance of Ed and his brother to a young boy as I grew up.
Dawn Thomas
December 30, 2019
You were one of my favorite teachers Mr. Kowalyk and I too was lucky enough to have you as my homeroom teacher.
Thanks for being such a big inspiration.
My sympathies go out to those you left behind as it sounds like you had a beautiful full life with lots of loved one (and some furry friends too).
Until we meet again...
Shanna Paquette
December 30, 2019
Mr. Kowalyk was my homeroom teacher at Esquimalt High (class of 91) and i will remember him with great memories. He was a great teacher and will be missed. RIP.
Delphine Baumer
December 30, 2019
Thank you for your amazing work. I was lucky enough to have you as one of my all time favorite teachers at Esquimalt High in the early 90s. Your passion and dedication will always be remembered along with your fierce kind heart. Thank you and very sincere condolences to your family and loved ones. I can only imagine how much you are missed. May you continue your beautiful journey and your spirit soar in your next chapter.
Edwin Navas
December 30, 2019
Such a Great person and Teacher. I'm grateful too.. for the time and advice he shared with me and y class. My sincere condolences. Mr. Kowalyk.. RIP
Michelle Gray
December 30, 2019
One of the most kindest and wonderful teachers that I had at Esquimalt high school from 1981-1984 . He was my TA teacher and gave me the best advice on what I wanted to do after grad and I was able to do that Thanks to Mr K. My sincere condolences to his family RIP Mr K
Richard Austin
December 30, 2019
Dear members of the Kowalyk family,
Deeply saddened to learn of Ed's passing, having known Ed. for a good part of my life both on and off the sports field, it's difficult to capsulate a lifetime of achievements in a few paragraphs.
My earliest recollection of Ed was at Stephenson Park as a young lad in my early teens, Doug Fletcher parcelled us off in age categories so little or no injuries may prevail. Thankfully Ed was directed to the age group above me, watching him with envy, I say this thankfully, Ed was tenacious checker, perhaps an understatement but this characteristic followed him throughout his sports career.
The obit picture in my view captures the essence of Ed, a subtle grin, almost saying " I know what your thinking, go ahead and try it "
Sadly as we progress through life friends drift apart, I truly wish we could have sat down for coffee/lunch on a regular basis, but this did not happen. All that is left are memories from a bygone era, one that all those who grew up in the late 40"s 50"s remember with fondness.
Rest in peace, my good friend. May pass on the glass of red wine and instead have a very nice Pinot Grigio and toast the good times.
Regards,
Richard ( Dick ) Austin
Victoria BC
,
Tanya Ross (Phillips)
December 30, 2019
Thinking of Mr Kowalyk this morning, as I learned this news. I vividly remember the way he wrote on the chalkboard, chalk in hand, arm moving vigorously as he wrote with passion and strength, and I think this pretty much epitomizes the way he taught. His smile was infectious and he always had a kind word. I remember him fondly and am so glad I got to be one of his students at EHS (SS 10). My condolences to Mr Kowalyk's loved ones. RIP Ed and thanks for being awesome.
Doug Grant
December 30, 2019
Ed Kowalyk was one of my teachers at Oak Bay High School in the early 1960's. He was a great teacher and very helpful and supportive in training for track and field. I was lucky to reacquaint with Ed at our 50th class reunion in 2015. Ed was one of those teachers that you never forget. My condolences to his wife and family.
Dave Welham
December 29, 2019
Dear Carmen:
I remember Ed from when I went to Shamrocks games with my Dad in the 1950's. Many of us who performed with you and Vic in MVHS band will be sorry to read of your loss. Please know that our thoughts are with you at this time.
Susan McFadden
December 28, 2019
One of my favourite teachers - He made a positive difference for so many in Oak Bay high school life - a tremendous legacy. Lots of fond memories. Condolences to the family in their loss .
December 28, 2019
we were very saddened to read of Ed's passing.He was a great friend,neighbour,and colleague over the past 50 years.Ed was truly a man of character and had a positive influence on so many people,in so many ways. Russ & Chriss Ball.
Sandra Harris
December 28, 2019
Was saddended to read this. He taught me in junior high at Oak Bay many many years ago...and was by far the best teacher I ever had...never forgot him. Sending my condolences to all of his family. RIP Mr. Kowalyk
Lisa Richdale
December 28, 2019
Rest in Peace Mr. Kowalyk!
My deepest sympathies to his family.
He taught at Oak Bay School and was a wonderful teacher. We attended many Victoria Shamrock lacrosse games, that he was coaching, too.
Warm regards,
Lisa Richdale
Sue & Jay Chudleigh
December 28, 2019
Kowalyk Family,
Sending heartfelt condolences at this time. We so enjoyed him at Oak Bay High.
Sue & Jay Chudleigh
Barry Stokes
December 28, 2019
So sorry to hear this. Many fond memories of Ed.
My condolences to the family.
Théa Nation
December 28, 2019
Having just celebrated my 50 th high school this spring with teachers Lou DeMacedo and Gary Taylor in attendance , my years at OBSS are fresh and precious in my mind . Mr Kowalyk was my law teacher in grade 11 , a course most of us took as filler in the hopes it was easy and give us the required points to graduate ! I remember the way he perched on the side of his desk , the way he cocked his head and smiled . He was such a physical guy, the classroom could hardly contain him ! I recently found a class paper I did on unwed mothers and how the law did or did not support them at that time - archaic indeed ! I was a very average student and Mr K was always kind and encouraging . May he Rest In Peace .
John Hibberson
December 28, 2019
Mr. Kowalyk had a tremendous influence on me and so many others as a teacher and human being. Growing up, surviving the trials and tribulations of high school is hard for young people and while he demanded our very best, he was always there with a kind word or advice when he knew you needed it. Because of him I became a PE and English teacher and did my very best to carry on the tradition of his own teaching philosophy. My sincere condolences to his family on this sad occasion.
Suzanne Cherneff Helston
December 28, 2019
Such a lovely man. I'm grateful for the role he played in my younger life. My sincere condolences.
Lucille Campbell
December 28, 2019
My condolences to his family. Ed was a wonderful well liked teacher and a role model to many of his students. One of the best.
December 27, 2019
I remember him from Oak Bay High in the late 60s. I recognized him in the photo even though he was decades older. He aged well. My condolences to the family
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