KUSNIR:
John Kusnir, 82, died peacefully, November 19th, 2014. Born in Fernie, the fourth child of George and Anna (Sikora-Franko) Kusnir, from Keresteur, Czechoslovakia, John was educated in Fernie and completed post-secondary education at UBC.
John was an educator. He loved to teach. Mathematics was his passion and his specialty, with science and art following closely behind. As a dedicated school principal and a life-long teacher, he taught at School District #44 in North Vancouver from 1958 to 1990, teaching at Canyon Heights, Westview, Hamilton, Argyle, Queensbury (where he headed the math department). He served as Principle at Montroyal and Sherwood Park Elementary schools. He established the Computing Centre at School District #44.
In 1955, he married Eileen Foley of Vancouver and with her had five children: Paul, Jon, Mark, Greg, Janice Hill (nee Kusnir).
He loved and cherished all his children, his grandchildren, his daughters-in-law, his son-in-law. All held a special place in his heart: Justin Kusnir, Sean Kusnir, Danielle Kusnir; Colin Wall; Myles Steede, Adam Kusnir; Samantha Hill, Nicole Hill, Scott Hill, Karen Kusnir, Eva Handeland, Sonya Wall, Joanne Kusnir,
John Hill.
In public service he volunteered with North Shore Search and Rescue. He was a long time Mt. Seymour Lion, serving as treasurer and two terms as president. In retirement, he traveled widely within North America, Europe and Australia, often with his companion, Jill Ashdown. He taught English and provided academic translation at the Technical University of
Kosice, Slovakia.
He is survived by sisters Joanne Kusnir and Mary Menduk, sister-in-law Robina Kusnir and wife, Eileen Foley.
John was admired and appreciated for his openness, candour, humour, acceptance, guidance and plain-spoken good advice. He was humble, modest, a man of simple tastes. Successful in his career, John never forgot where he came from. He will be remembered; his memory cherished. His family acknowledges his many contributions to their lives, to the lives of his students and to his community.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 4th at 1:00 pm, at Holy Family Church, Fernie, B.C. Everyone is welcome.
He was one in a million. He cared deeply and was passionate about everyone in his life.
May he rest in peace.
Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral
Services Ltd.