COZAC, Peter
Peter Cozac died peacefully at his home at 51 Ninth Avenue, Englehart, on November 5, 2011. He was 82. Mr. Cozac was born March 7, 1929, in Dahinda, Saskatchewan, son of Simeon and Anna Cozac. In the spring of 1932 as the Great Depression worsened, the family moved north to Okla, Saskatchewan. In 1940, the Cozacs moved again, to the Tough-Oakes farm west of Charlton. At the age of 15, Mr. Cozac went to work, employed in bush work for the Walter Little Company. He moved on to Noranda, Quebec, where he worked for a surveying firm. He then went on to the Demorest Drilling Company and was at Quemont at the time of a labour strike. He then moved east to work in diamond drilling in Bathurst, New Brunswick. After being away from home for some time and finding himself between drilling jobs, he applied to the Ontario Northland Railway. On August 9, 1947, he began working as a labourer in the ONR shops in Englehart. Gradually he moved along, becoming a hostler at Englehart, Cochrane and Rouyn, then fireman and engineman. He was then promoted to train master and, later, road foreman of engines. After more than 40 years of employment with the ONR, he retired November 4, 1987. Throughout his working years, being an avid sports fan, he found the time to become a qualified baseball and softball umpire, taking professional training in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Mr. Cozac was named the Umpire in Chief over Northeastern and Northwestern Ontario and Northern Quebec. He worked in games from the youngest of little leagues to the old-timers, while instructing and training others as well. He also took up hockey refereeing, and was Referee in Chief for the Northern Ontario Hockey Association for several years. He also instructed and trained young people as officials. He became a member of the Masonic Lodge in 1958, where he was well known for his work. He was Worshipful Master of the Englehart Masonic Lodge #534 AF & AM, Kirkland Lake Doric Masonic Lodge #623 AF & AM and Elk Lake Masonic Lodge #507 AF & AM, with service in all offices. He was a member of the North Bay Valley Lodge of Perfection 14th degree, North Bay Chapter of Rose Croix 18th degree, member of Moore Sovereign Consistory 32nd degree, as well as a charter member of Temiskaming Silver and Gold Scottish Rite Club. He was a member of Emmanuel United Church in Englehart and served his church well. He served as steward, elder and trustee, and as the Englehart Pastoral Charge’s treasurer, chair of the board and chair of the manse committee. He also served on Temiskaming Presbytery and was always available to be of assistance in any project at any time he was able to. But because of his type of work, his time was not always his own. Upon his retirement from the ONR, he successfully completed a course to become a licensed lay personnel. He conducted Sunday services in both Temiskaming and Cochrane presbyteries of the United Church as well as for other denominations until ill health forced him to give up those activities. Mr. Cozac appreciated the life he’d been given and was ever cognizant of those less fortunate than himself. He was known as a man of integrity and honesty. He is survived by his wife, Audrey (née Newman). The couple married August 16, 1950, at Hanbury United Church. He is also survived by children Marilyn Aube, Calvin (Linda), Creston and Joclyn, and grandchildren Nicole (Ron) Aube, Jacqueline Aube, Peter (Nicole) Cozac, Michael Cozac and Kayla Cozac. Rev. Jessica Cottrell conducted funeral services at Emmanuel United Church November 9, 2011. Members of the Masonic Order served as pallbearers. Burial was at Hanbury Cemetery. In his memory, contributions may be made to Englehart and District Hospital, Emmanuel United Church or the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences, contributions and memorial candles may be left at www.mcdonaldfuneralhome.ca.
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