DEAN THEODORE KOSTIUK

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DEAN THEODORE KOSTIUK

July 24,1927 - April 2, 2026

It is with profound sadness and deep gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the peaceful passing of Dean Theodore Kostiuk at age 98, surrounded by family, at home.

Dean was predeceased by his parents, Wasyl and Mary Kostiuk, and by his siblings, Mickey (Doug), Ella, Miro (Sylvia), Anne (Bob), and Bobby. Sadly, he was also predeceased by his beloved wife Jean and their two sons, Robert Dean and Daniel George, and son-in-law Bruce Sedleski.

He leaves to mourn his daughter Lorna and grandchildren, Alexander (Brittany), Spencer, Benjamin (Amber), and Lelia. Left also to cherish his memory are great-grandchildren Ryder and Honey, as well as nieces, Linda and Judy (Pat), and nephew Michael (Julie), and their children.

Dean was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who always tried to encourage those around him with kind words and optimism. He often expressed that he had been blessed with a wonderful childhood. Despite growing up poor in Wakaw, Saskatchewan, he felt rich in love and care, and fondly recounted his Tom Sawyer boyhood of hiking, swimming and escapades with friends. The United Church in Wakaw was a central part of his boyhood, as was his love of airplanes. Both would play out in his adult life.

After a year at the University of Saskatchewan, Dean attended Normal school and spent some time as a teacher in Saskatchewan. However, those airplanes kept calling to him, so he hitchhiked to Ontario and signed up for the Air Force.

Dean met his wife Jean on a blind date while on leave in Prince Albert. They married in Edmonton, and together they embraced an exciting life of travel, formal balls, church, volunteering and raising a family. In many ways, his time with the RCAF was the most memorable, as he was able to live out his dream of spending time in the sky as a navigator.

After 25 years in the RCAF, Dean and Jean put down roots in Winnipeg and he started his 15 year career in management at Manitoba Hydro. The untimely death of their oldest son Robert in 1970 was a terrible shock, but their faith and church family at Crestview United Church helped them through this tragedy.

Soon after moving to Winnipeg, Dean and Jean bought a cottage at Wallace Lake. Dean loved the cottage. It took him back to his boyhood memories of fishing, boating and hiking. After the Wallace Lake fire, which burned their cottage to the ground, they started anew at Grindstone. Dean always loved planning and building. Working on the new cottage gave purpose to his retirement years. Dean and Jean also joined a trailer community in Mesa, Arizona. Between travel, cruises, cottage life, and snow-birding it was a full and busy retirement.

Another great joy Dean had was the time he spent with his grandchildren. His youthful spirit lent itself well to entertaining them. He especially enjoyed having Alex and Spencer every year at the Grindstone cottage, helping them with lemonade stands and various fun activities. After Jean passed away, he carried on the tradition with Benjamin.

A new era for Dean was born when he moved in with daughter Lorna and grandson Benjamin. Thus began 18 years filled with new trips, new building projects, cocktails on the deck and visits on the front porch. In all of Dean's new adventures, he was accompanied by the family dog, Chase. He constantly expressed gratitude for spending his senior years with his beloved family.

We are grateful and blessed to have had so many wonderful memories of time spent with Dean. He was positive and smiling right to the end. The family would like to thank all of the health care aides and palliative care nurses who helped make it possible for him to pass in peace at home.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at Crestview United Church at 400 Rouge Road on Friday May 8th at 1:00 p.m.. In lieu of flowers, donations to Crestview United Church are gratefully accepted.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 25, 2026