Adam passed away peacefully in his sleep eight days short of his 83rd birthday on January 12, 2023 at Burnaby Hospital after complications resulting from a stroke in March 2022.
He was born January 20, 1940 on a homestead in Roblin, Manitoba. His family moved to Vancouver in 1948, where his father worked in lumber mills at False Creek to support the family. Growing up in Vancouver, he graduated high school from Britannia Secondary in 1957. Adam went on to be educated at UBC, obtaining a degree in education and, in time, his masters. He spent his entire teaching career with the Burnaby School district between Moscrop and Burnaby North high schools. A passionate and dedicated educator, Adam inspired his students in the area of Social Studies; including both Law and Geography. Adam led successful Debate Teams at his schools and coached boys rugby, leading to many provincial championships. The grass field at Burnaby North was dedicated to him in his honour at his retirement in 1998.
Adam was also deeply involved in the Ukrainian community of the lower mainland where he was well known and respected by all. He will be especially remembered for the support of his wife, Ann Kvitka, and the more than 50 years of musical projects they pursued together, side by side.
He is predeceased by his parents, Michael and Tillie Kozak who passed away in the 1980’s and his brother Robert Kozak, who died tragically in 2018. Adam is survived by his brother Edward (Teresa) his beloved wife, Ann Kvitka of 56 years of marriage, sons Andre (Zdenka), Adam (Danielle) and Alex (Alexis) and four grandchildren, Saffron, Andre, Mateo and Kalayna.
A Prayer Service was held on Thursday, January 19th at 7:00pm at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 550 W. 14th Ave, Vancouver, BC and Liturgy of Christian Burial on Friday, January 20 at 11:00am at the same location. Internment on Saturday, January 21 at Forest Lawn in Burnaby at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Red Cross for the 'Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal'.
https://www.redcross.ca/donate/appeal/donate-to-the-ukraine-humanitarian-crisis-appeal#9cfdcd2b-85a7-4899-ada2-f8bdae8d0939
VICHNAYA PAMYAT