Anton “Tony” Kosokowsky
March 7, 1923 – July 4, 2017

The passing of Anton “Tony” Kosokowsky of St. Mary’s Villa, Humboldt, SK, occurred at his residence on Tuesday, July 4, 2017.  He was 94 years of age.  Tony was born on March 7, 1923, to George and Maria (nee Bittner) Kosokowsky at home on their farm near Carmel, SK.  As the third oldest child in the family, he was often found outside.  Since he was needed to work on the farm, Tony was only able to attend school until the first two weeks of Grade 8.  He continued to work on the farm until he retired.   During the 2nd World War, Tony worked several winters   to support the war effort.   One winter, he was working to help build a railway near Sutherland. It was so cold that year that the rails were breaking before they could secure them into place.  During other winters, he worked at several mines in Ontario and Manitoba.  One year when Tony and his brother George were in their mid-teens, they helped build the road near Burton Lake.   One of Tony’s fondest memories from those times was taking his sisters to the drive-in theatre with his 1953 2T Chev.  Tony’s life changed when he met Anne Harasymchuck from Smuts, a school teacher for the nearby Cranich Lake School and, on May 13, 1956, they were married.  They lived on the family farm, and in the following years, Tony became the proud dad of seven boys and two girls … enough kids to form a baseball team.  In the late 1950s when the farm got electricity, Tony bought a welder for something to do, and found many things to fix with it over the years.  Working with his father on the farm was an inspiration to him, and he wanted to continue the tradition. When the time was right, Tony purchased the family farm from his parents.  He was always interested in improving the land and the yield from the farm. As well, Tony was one of the family’s first engineers when he converted an old Massey combine into a fork lift style rock picker. That was the   beginning  of a legacy for his children to follow … seven of his children have received an engineering degree.  Many new buildings were built on the farm over the years, starting with a new house.  Since he had success building a house, he tried his hand at building other farm buildings such as an extension to the cow barn, a larger pig barn, a few new granaries, and a quonset.  Tony was very proud of his farm. As well as grain farming, he raised beef cows, milk cows, pigs and chickens.  After most of the children left home, Tony decided on a career change. He had bought a truck in 1984, and started hauling grain.  In 1987, he sold the farm equipment, rented out the land, and started trucking full-time.  For the next 10 years, Tony transported different loads to various locations in Canada and the United States.  His trucking career ended when his truck burst into flames.  In 2005, Tony and Anne moved to a condo in Humboldt.  Due to failing health, Tony became a resident of St. Mary’s Villa this past April.   A kind man with a big heart, Tony was always ready and willing to help his family and friends.  Over the years, he hauled grain for others, cleared snow for his neighbors, drove the school bus during a bus driver strike, helped clean the grounds at Conception and Mount Carmel cemeteries, volunteered at the church and at Knights of Columbus events, and worked at the Craven Big Valley Jamboree for many years.  With nine children, there were always opportunities to lend a hand, which Tony was more than happy to do.  Throughout the years, of great importance to Tony was his belief and faith in God, and his devotion to regularly attending Mass.  Tony will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Anne (nee Harasymchuck); nine children, 27 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren:   Richard and family,  Christopher, Asia, Brian Edwards (Nicole), [Kitana, Kirsten, Jaxson, Jayda], Sabrina Edwards [Ariella], and Nickie Edwards [Lily, Leland]; Murray (Alice) and family,  Eric (Crystal), [Joel, Hayden, Lily], Amanda (Bruce), [Emilee], Jennifer Verreth (Jacob), [Ethan, Caleb], Laura Brouillette (Danny), [Parker, Alexis, Flynn], Daniel (Tommy Joy), Christopher; Ted (Leah) children,  Shea, Linnea, and Scott; Leo (Desiree) and children, Jarvis and Taylor; Cindy and children,  Kathleen, and Andrew; Ruth Mostowy and children, Troy and Rachael;  Kim; Ian (Sonia) and family, Jason (Amanda), Stephanie, Renee Greene (Eric), [MaKenna, Kharis, Callie], Kianna Ouellette; and Tony (Louise) and children, Kylee, Jesse, Jackson;  three sisters and one brother:  Helen Harrison, Tillie (Roger) Aessie, Louis (Audrey) Anthony, and Irene Kuznekoff. He was predeceased by five sisters:  Lena Kuechle, Theresa Lueke, Veronica Beuker, Christine Daugherty, and Elizabeth Kosokowsky; and three brothers:  George, Alex, and Ted.   The Prayer Service for Tony was held at St. Augustine R.C. Church, Humboldt, on Friday, July 7, 2017, at 7:30 p.m., led by Nestor Trach and organist Denise Germain.  Scripture readers were Louise Kosokowsky and Leah Kosokowsky, and the eulogy was delivered by Ted Kosokowsky.  The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Augustine R.C. Church on Saturday, July 8, 2017, at 10:30 a.m., celebrated by Abbot Peter Novecosky, OSB.  Others taking part were:  Kim Kosokowsky, crossbearer; Cindy Kosokowsky and Ruth Mostowy,   scripture readers; Stephanie Kosokowsky and Shea Kosokowsky, intentions; great-grandchildren, giftbearers; Jesse Kosokowsky and Kathleen Morton, memorial table attendants; and Murray Kosokowsky, eulogist.  Music ministry was provided by director Loretta Schugmann, organist Denise Germain, violinist Kylee Kosokowsky, and members of the St. Augustine Parish Funeral Choir.  An honor guard was formed by members of the Knights of Columbus.  Honorary pallbearers were “all those who shared in Tony’s life”.  Active pallbearers were Richard Kosokowsky, Murray Kosokowsky, Tony Kosokowsky, Leo Kosokowsky, Ian Kosokowsky, and Tony Kosokowsky.   Interment followed at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Cemetery, Humboldt, SK.  Memorial donations may be directed to the St. Mary’s Villa Foundation.

This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)