Obituary of Julius Joseph Kotylak

Our loving husband, father and grandfather passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Helen (Eiwanger) of 65 years; children and grandchildren John (Rhonda), Kirk and Kyle; Blake (Janine), Ben and Ava; Owen (Lorelei), Caleb and Caycie; Shawna (Kevin), Danny; sister, Susan (David) Duczek; sisters-in-law, Hermine Kotylak and Angie Eiwanger; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Antonia (Waltz) Kotylak; siblings, Mathew (Myrtle) Kotylak, Helen (Matt) Shevchuk and Murrey Kotylak; parents-in-law, John and Mary Eiwanger; brother-in-law George Eiwanger; and sister-in-law, Loretta Eiwanger.

Julius arrived into this world at a farm near Balcarres on a cold January 3, 1929 day as a premature baby. He weighed less than three pounds, but with God’s help, he survived. Julius grew up on the farm with many pleasant memories, but also not pleasant memories. Such as, getting up in winter in a cold house, go out to feed the horses, milk the cows, get ready for the drive in an open sleigh to Reindeer School three miles away. Upon completing his grade eight, he started farming, which he truly loved.

In 1956, Julius purchased the home section from his father. He was very thankful to the Farm Credit Corporation for the loan that gave him the opportunity and let his parents semi-retire to Regina.

On July 12, 1958, Julius married Helen Eiwanger from Dysart. Helen taught school, so they lived in a teacherage at Canterbury School and Julius drove back and forth to the farm. In 1960, they moved to Dysart and on July 1, 1962, they moved into a new house on the farm that Julius had built and they became full time farmers. Breaking and clearing bush, etc, etc. They were blessed with three sons and enjoyed good times with their neighbours. In 1967, Julius started building a new house in Lipton which when finished in 1969, became their winter home.

Julius enjoyed curling and they bowled with their friends. All to soon, hockey games with the boys and being blessed with a daughter, figure skating became a past time too.

In 1991, Julius and Helen became snowbirds at Mesa, Arizona, which they enjoyed. Walking was their favourite hobby there.

Throughout the years, Julius and Helen have travelled the southern states, visited seven countries in Europe, toured the maritimes and cruised to Alaska. All with dear friends they were so thankful to have.

We know Julius, you were very proud of your sons and grandsons taking over your beloved farm.

Rest in peace. We love you and will miss you so very much.

Our family would like to very much thank Dr.MacDonald and the staff at Pasqua Hospital in 3D overflow for Julius’ wonderful care when he became ill and also thank ever so much to Holly and the staff at Victoria Park Personal Care Community for the very compassionate care Julius received in his final days.

God bless you everyone.

Private prayers will be held. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at Resurrection Roman Catholic Parish, 3155 Windsor Park Road, Regina, SK.