Obituary of Eugene Wayne Kostesky

It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of Eugene Wayne Kostesky. He passed away peacefully on March 30, 2024, surrounded by his family at Hamilton General Hospital.

We are comforted by the knowledge that he is now with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He has no more pain or sorrow. This life was hard on his body and but we know that he has been made new and is now dancing and rejoicing in heaven.

He is survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Trudy Kostesky. His four children, Tim (Briar) Kostesky, Bonnie (Doug) Krause, Pam (Rob) Lodde, and Jason (Liz) Copeland.
He has 9 wonderful grandchildren, Brent (Christine) Kostesky, Becki Kostesky, Leanna Krause (Taylor Malcolm), Michael (Alicia) Krause, Dom and Dylan Lodde, Morgan Copeland, Timothy (Megan) Copeland, and Jonathan Copeland. He was also,blessed with four beautiful Great Grandchildren, Lily, Amanda, Chloe Kostesky, and James Copeland. He also leaves behind his dog Rebel, who was his best friend.

We want to say a special thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff that helped in his final days. From Welland ICU, to St. Catharines Heart Investigation Unit and Hamilton General Coronary Care Unit, we want to acknowledge that quality of care he received was exceptional and we appreciate all the support that was given to his family as well.

Thank you to all our family and friends for your love, prayers and support, it has made all the difference this past week. God is good.

He was born in Russell, Manitoba on November 18, 1943, to Joseph and Lena(nee Pradiniuk). He was the oldest son and is survived by his sister Pat(Fred) Etherington, John Kostesky, Cyndi Thistlethwaite, brother in-law Clayton Shannon. His older sister Louise was there to greet him as he entered heaven.

His family moved to Atikokan in northern Ontario in 1950 where he fell in love with baseball. He was a fastball pitcher and even led his team to win the championships. In 1960, the family moved to the Niagara area and he began to help his dad in “Joe’s Garage” in NOTL. Eventually he met his one true love and got married in 1963, had four children and eventually settled in St. Catharines. Dad was very proud of the time when he served with the OPP Auxiliary. He worked at TRW for over 35 years and enjoyed being part of the Old Guard Association. He loved to be outside and spent time hunting and fishing and as a family we went on many camping trips.

After he retired, he was able to fulfill his dream of owning a cottage on a beautiful lake in Port Loring. He called his cottage “Serenity Point”, and there he made many happy memories with family and friends. But as he got older he was no longer able to maintain the cottage and moved back down to Niagara Falls. He met Marilyn and she took him in and they struck deal, he could have her spare bedroom in exchange for taking care of the house for her. They developed a very special bond over the years and grew to love each other. They are now reunited in heaven.

He then moved to a Senior Community in St. David’s and met a great group of friends and had good times over many cups of coffee and many euchre games.
Unfortunately, he had to leave St. David’s and spent his final years in Welland. His house had a big garage that he loved to putter around in, getting things organized and just enjoying being outside.
His family will miss him and his “stay safe” when we said goodbye on the phone and when he texted his “lol’s”.

Funeral Service will be held at the Vineland Chapel of Tallman Funeral Homes, 3277 King St., Vineland, on Wednesday, April 3 at 10:30am with vistation one hour prior.

The funeral service will be livestreamed. To view the livestream, at the time of the service please click here - Eugene Kostesky Funeral Service

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation and Diabetes Canada would be appreciated.