Pillar of Saskatoon's Ukrainian community, Nation Builder passes away

The StarPhoenix
Published from: June 13-June 16, 2006

Stephen L. Kuzma 1916-2006 (Recognized as Nation Builder in 1998)

It is with deep sadness the family announces the passing of their dear father and Dido on Monday, June 12, 2006 at St. Joseph's Nursing Home at the age of 90 years. Stephen is survived by his children; son, Zennon (Susan) and grandchildren, Michael and Krista of Saskatoon; daughter, Elsie (Rick) Gamola and grandchildren, Steven (great-grandchildren, Jessica and Andrew) and Terry Parchewsky of Saskatoon; son, Ben (Rosetta); and daughter, Luba (Maurice) Arduin and grandchildren, Carla and David, all of British Columbia. He was predeceased by his wife, Anna in 2004; his brother, Harry from Winnipeg; his parents, Tekla and Leon; and brothers and sisters in Ukraine.

Stephen was born May 23, 1916 in Ternopil, Western Ukraine. He married Anna Falinski June 2, 1945 in Germany. After immigrating to Canada in 1948, settled his family in Winnipeg and became actively involved in the Ukrainian community. In 1953, he relocated his family to Cudworth to operate a family restaurant. Stephen, Anna and family moved to Saskatoon in 1956 and for the next 20 years owned and operated three restaurants, Stephen's Grill, Jake's Truck Stop and Karpatia Restaurant. Stephen retired from his last business venture; Bazaar Kuzma's in 2003, which he ran with his son, Zennon.

Stephen was a very gifted many with many talents and a generous nature including his passion for music and theatre and was involved in several choirs. He was an active volunteer and held board positions on many organizations including the League for Freedom for Ukraine, Folkfest Kyiv Pavilion, Obzhynky, Malanka, Ukrainian Social Services Association, Saskatoon branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), Shevchenko Foundation, New Community Credit Union, and the Ukrainian Free University. He was always first in line to support many worthy causes such as the Famine Manifestation and building of churches and support for indigent families in Ukraine.

Stephen was a devoted Ukrainian Catholic and a member of St. George's Cathedral for nearly 50 years, actively involved in the church choir and holding various executive positions on church committees and was instrumental in the installation project of the iconostas for the Cathedral. He was member of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood and highly involved with the Ukrainian Youth Association (CYM). Stephen was recognized for his outstanding community work with the highest award of the Shevchenko Medal, certificates from national and international organizations and earned merit to be named and given the Nation Builder Award in 1998 in Saskatoon. In his personal and community work, Stephen demonstrated a work ethic and commitment worthy of all honours that came his way and served as a model for activism. He will be sadly missed by all those who knew him and whose lives he had touched. He will always hold a special place in all our hearts. "VICHNAYA PAMIAT! "

Prayers will be held on Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Monday, June 19, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. Both services will be at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of St. George (214 Avenue M South, Saskatoon). The interment service will be at Woodlawn Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Stephen's memory may be made to St. Paul's Hospital Foundation, 1702 20th Street West, Saskatoon, SK, S7M 0Z9. Arrangements have been entrusted to James Werezak of PARK FUNERAL CHAPEL, 244-2103.

© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2006