Jun 8, 1938 - Jan 1, 2018
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather, Orest Kociuba, on Monday, January 1, 2018 at the Shuswap Lake General Hospital, following a 9 month battle with liver cancer. He was 79 years old. Orest's strong faith and love of family was evident to all who knew him and is what carried him through until his passing.
Orest was born on June 8, 1938 in the Revelstoke Hospital to Harry & Sophie Kociuba. He lived his early life in the Mt Cartier area before moving on to Vernon and then Vancouver. After graduation, he spent some time in the Navy before he began studies in Meteorological Technology and finally his 35 year career with the BC Liquor Distribution Branch. In 1960, he met and married the love of his life, Doris Spilchen and they settled in Vancouver. Over the next 12 years, Orest and Doris became the proud parents of 6 children.
Besides Vancouver, they also lived in North Delta, Bella Coola and Westbank. After Doris' death in 1990, Orest moved to Clinton, where he retired, then followed that with moves to New Westminster, Cranbrook, Anglemont, Pinantan Lake and then finally, Salmon Arm.
Orest was predeceased by his parents and his wife Doris.
Left to mourn his passing are his 6 children: Greg (Evelyn) Kociuba of Salmon Arm, Patricia (Ashley) Rattee of Penticton, Andrew Kociuba of Coquitlam, Veronica (Pete) Hoops of Salmon Arm, Colleen (Harold) Haining of Clive, AB and Peter (Sheri) Kociuba of Salmon Arm.
Orest's pride and joy were his 9 grandchildren: Mark Haining, Barrett Hoops, Austin Haining, Brennan Hoops, Cassidy Hoops, Tyson Hoops, Kaitlin Haining, Connor Kociuba & Natasha Kociuba.
He also leaves his two brothers, Walter of Vernon, BC and Peter (Mary Ann) of Edmonton, AB as well as numerous in-laws, nephews and nieces.
Prayers will be recited on Thursday January 11 at 7:00 PM at the Dormition of the Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1091 Coronation Ave, Kelowna, BC. The Funeral Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Friday, January 12 at 10:00 AM with Celebrant Reverend Father Joe Ostopowich and assisting Clergy, followed by interment at Lakeview Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements are through First Memorial Funeral Services - 250-762-2299.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Red Cross Loan Cupboard in Salmon Arm or the Palliative Care Ward of the Shuswap Lake General Hospital. The family wishes to thank everyone involved in the final months of Dad's journey especially Dr. Joan Bratty, the palliative care team and Pastor Dave from Sun Ridge Estates.
First Memorial Funeral Services