Nicholas “Nick” Kuz

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our brother and Uncle Nick Kuz.  Nick passed away on Friday, August 1 at the Whitemouth Personal Care Home, 1 week short of his 86^th birthday.

Nick is survived by his brother Joseph Kuz, sister Rose (Louis) Kovacs, nephews Myron Lamaga and John (Tammy) Lenzmeier, nieces Pat Klaprat and Kara (Rob) Vagts and their children.

He was predeceased by his parents Daniel and Annie Kuz, his sister Sophie Lamaga, and brothers in-law Mike Lamaga and John Lenzmeier.

Nick was born on the homestead in Hadashville, and attended Zamek School right next door.  He lived in Hadashville for most of his life, other than short stays at Ironwood Manor in Pinawa and Whitemouth Personal Care Home.

In his teens and early twenties, he trapped and farmed with his family, until he began working in the woods, a career which he would enjoy for the next 50 plus years.  Nick was a true entrepreneur.  He established his business Kuz Woodworking on the Trans-Canada Highway in Hadashville.  He harvested timber, operated a saw mill, manufactured wood products, and sold firewood.

Nick was always a salesman.  He enjoyed buying and selling used machinery and wood manufacturing equipment, frequently placing ads in the Manitoba Co-Operator and Carillon News and then waiting for telephone calls.

Nick enjoyed travel.  His many trips included 24 journeys to his winter home in Florida, a trip to Germany and Austria (purchasing equipment), Ukraine, Mexico, and Hawaii.  He also made numerous shorter trips in Canada and the USA.

Nick had a keen mind.  He enjoyed designing projects for his woodworking business.  Nick took pride in memorizing and reciting phone numbers, historical facts, geographic and natural history data.

Nick had a special relationship with his nephew Myron Lamaga.  He was pleased that Myron followed in his steps taking over his forestry and wood processing business.  Nick had a keen interest in all of Myron’s activities and was always ready to give “ADVICE”.

Nick enjoyed his toys, “a miniature and full size steam engine” and numerous old tractors.  He was always eager to construct a float for the Strawberry Festival Parade, and received many awards along with a first place trophy.

In later years, the telephone was his life-line.  Myron and Pat would receive daily phone calls, sometimes as early as 6:30 a.m.  He would keep in contact with his friends, seek health advice, advocate a “cause”, or continue his salesman activities.

We would like to thank the staff of Whitemouth Personal Care for their wonderful care of our brother and Uncle.

Funeral Service will be held on Monday, August 11 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hadashville Community Hall with interment to follow in the Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society.  Nick had a special place in his heart for “small dogs”.  Chippo, one of his favorites, is waiting for him.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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