Tribute

It is with heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved and deeply loved husband,father,brother,grandfather and great-grandfather, Johan ”Harry” Kostelyk.  Johan went to be with his precious Lord and Saviour on November 11, 2022 at the age of 87 years.  He was born in Broek op Langedyk in the Province of North Holland on April 3, 1935 to Jan and Annie Kostelijk and was the second child in a family of eight siblings.

Johan immigrated in 1954 with his parents and siblings to Port Alberni, BC, Canada. It was here in 1957 that he married the love of his life. He and Alice went on to raise their four children together. Johan and Alice remained devoted to each other for 65 years.

After a successful career primarily working for Sun Life of Canada, Johan and Alice settled in Abbotsford, BC to live out his retirement years. He enjoyed traveling, volunteering for his church, the local food bank and hospital. In his younger years he was a committed father and husband who enjoyed camping, skiing, kayaking, windsurfing, running and swimming. While in Abbotsford he loved to read, garden and putter around their home. Perfecting his craft of vinification, painting and walking with Alice were some of his favourite things to do. Spending quality time together with his family and close friends brought him joy.

Johan, this man of great character, blessed his family with a legacy of his gentle caring spirit, playful sense of humour and genuine love and acceptance of others. He was a connector and openly shared his deep faith; it is through this that he walked his walk with love and kindness to everyone he met, even on his more difficult days.  Johan appreciated the smaller things in life and shared this often with those around him.  We will miss his smile that brightened a room and warmed our hearts, his calm presence and one of a kind special hugs.

Johan is survived by his loving wife Alice Kostelyk, son Ed Kostelyk (Janice), daughters Mary-Ann Kostelyk, Pauline Klok (Ron) and Yolanda Kostelyk (Darryl).  Nine grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren and sisters Ankie Baardman and Nelly Kostelijk.  Predeceased by his parents Jan and Annie Kostelijk, brother John, Jacob, sisters Trudy, baby Maria, and Maria.

Donations can be made to Bethesda Christian Association.