It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Allan C. Kuzyk. Allan was predeceased by his loving mother, Sophie and brother, Robert.
The oldest of three brothers, Allan was born in Edmonton, Alberta on May 24, 1950 to William and Sophie Kuzyk. His childhood was filled with fun summers on his uncle’s farm, and honing practical jokes on brothers, Robert and Gary. Early on, it was apparent he had a special touch with animals, as he adopted a great horned owl and a kestrel during his teenage years.
Allan’s zest for life was rivalled only by his love for his wife, Hanne, whom he met when he was 17. Allan and Hanne wasted no time in bringing two beautiful children (Michael and Christina) into the world while Allan was still in dental school. Allan graduated from the University of Alberta in 1975, and established a practice in Edmonton while teaching part time at the U of A dental clinic. A particularly frigid winter prompted a move of the family to Victoria, B.C. in 1978. Not surprisingly, they were eventually joined by most of Hanne’s family. Allan’s dental practice was like no other: his excellence in his profession combined with the care and support of both Hanne and his sister-in-law, Inge (who worked alongside him for 41 years) made for an unparallelled experience. Many patients felt like family, and it was not uncommon for Allan to have provided continuous care across generations.
Allan’s high standards and all-or-nothing attitude carried over to his personal life as well. Embracing the West Coast lifestyle, Allan and Hanne enjoyed many glorious summers exploring Desolation Sound and the Gulf Islands. Continuing the passion about animals evident since childhood, and continuing his uncommon touch, falconry was next on the list. For years, Allan and Hanne could be seen flying falcons over Pendray Farms on the Saanich Peninsula, while also providing Michael and Christina with the important childhood character-building practice of barn cleaning.
It was a source of great joy for Allan to bear witness to the marriages of both of his children, and the birth of his grandchildren, Logan, Gavin, Sophie, and Daniel. He was the most stylish, handsome, fit, and wacky grandfather anyone could ask for. We were looking forward to many more years of love and laughter together before his sudden, unexpected and unfair illness this September.
Left to honour his memory are his wife, Hanne (together for 9 days shy of 49 years); son, Michael (Karen); daughter, Christina (Eric); father, William (Carol); brother, Gary (Lucinda); sisters-in-law, Inge (Bill), Tina (Roger); and brother-in-law, Niels (Sylvia).
We would like to thank Dr. Wood, Dr. McIntyre, and the entire team at the Royal Jubilee ICU for their excellent and compassionate care.
No service by request, but we ask that you join us in lifting a glass in Allan’s memory.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallbros.com
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Neal Fennell
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Sue sloan Dear Hanna Inge and family – I was shocked to learn of Allan’s death just today. Although I was one of his most “difficult patients”, he was always kind and patience with me never losing his temper considering the never ending amount of dental work I required. He was an incredible perfectionist never settling for anything but the best for his patients. Funny but I was looking to seeing him in January to proudly
show him how much my dental hygiene had improved.The dentist taking over Allan’s practice has enormous shoe to fill but I will never forget Allan and my 30 plus years with him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the familyat this very sad time. Keep your memories of him close to your heart
Love and hugs
Sue Sloan
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Lesley Carere Dear Hanne, Inge and family,
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Allan’s passing. He was a true gentleman and a wonderful Dentist. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Much love to you in your time of grief.
Lesley Carere and Derek Paul
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Genie Wright Dear Hanne, Inga and family
I am shocked and deeply saddened at the news of Dr. Kuzyk’s passing. He was such a fine man and a wonderful dentist. For twenty-five years, he made a “visit to the dentist” a positive experience for me. I will miss him very much. I am so very sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you both during these dark days. With deepest sympathy, Genie Wright
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Ann Doyle Dear Hanne,Inge and Family,
It is with shock and sadness to hear of Dr Kuxyk’s passing.Always professional and always caring.
Even if going to the dentist was not your favorite thing to do,when you walked into Dr Kuzyk’s
office, Hanne’s greeting, Inge’s support and assistance, ALLEN’S smile and approach to his work.
Made you think ‘Now that wasn’t so bad”, problem solved, as you walked out the door.
Hanne and Inge, May your treasured memories help you along the way.A patient, a friend and members of the family, neighbours
The Doyle Family.
The Doyles.
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Bruce Fowler Hanne, Inge and families:
I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Allan’s passing. He will be sorely missed as he touched so many lives. Please know my thoughts are with you.
With tearful hugs,
Bruce
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Lois North Dear Hanne and Inge,
I am shocked and so deeply saddened to hear of Allen’s passing. My late husband Ernie and I looked forward to our 6 monthly get-togethers with Allen. He, who took the fear and pain out of dentistry, always had lots to share about his falconry and live aboard tales, as we were both birders and boaters too.
My deepest condolences to you Hanne and Inga and to your family. Allen was a trusted part of our medical team and a delightful man with a great sense see of humour.
I feel so privileged to have known him. Lois
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Bruce Campbell Sorry to hear this. Thinking of you and your kindness to me at Van Isle. Have the Christmas lights you gave me on show tonight. Love, Bruce
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Peggy Boyd Dear Hanne, Inge, and family. I am so so very sorry that Dr. Kuzyk didn’t make it. I was really hoping he would be ok. For over 35 years I felt blessed to have such a wonderful dentist. Lover of cowboy boots and extraordinary human being. He will be sorely missed.
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Jeremy Pryer It is with great sadness, to hear of Allans passing, he always treated me with respect in all our challenges over the years.
Jeremy Pryer
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Vic and Brenda Simeoni Dear Hanne, Inga and families, It was with both shock and disbelief that we today learned of Al’s passing. From our initial meeting with Al, we immediately liked and cared for him not only as a gifted professional but, more importantly, as a friend who possessed a caring temperament and an incisive sense of humour. Prior to engaging Al as my dentist, I had never met a dentist that I liked and who did not frighten me…Al was the exception and always made me feel at ease. We have lost an irreplaceable friend; the the loss is immeasurable. But, know this, we, who knew Al, share with you the burden of his loss…IN PACE REQUIESCAT Brenda and Vic.
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marion and darrel jensen We are still in complete shock, as we had been waiting and hoping for a miracle. Dr. Kuzyk was our dentist for many years, and we loved his friendliness and sense of humour as well as his delicate touch. We heard of him maybe thirty years ago through a friend, and were very happy with the recommendation. Dr. Kuzyk and Inge and Hanne were a team, and they worked together in harmony unusual in a family business. They always inquired after our kids, and kept us up to date on their own adventures, including the new brewery business, grandchildren and travel. Dr. Kuzyk seemed to be the embodiment of health, keeping fit by skipping at lunchtime, and by going to a gym. He seemed younger than his years. When he said he had had a bad summer, this admission was so unusual, it set off warning bells. It was unlike him. What a loss! Our hearts go out to Hanne and Inge, Michael and Christina, and the rest of the family. Sincerely, Marion and Darrel, Matthew and Laurence, and Dagmar.
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Janet Hockin Hanne, Inge & Family,
We are thinking of you and sending our sympathy.
“Death leaves sorrow that does not heal,
Love leaves memories none can steal. ”
Jan & family
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Ralph and Bonnie Clarke Dear Hanne,
I am so sorry to hear of Allan’s sudden death. I experienced his good humour and good friendship as we gained our education together in dental school, I particularly have a fond memory of his electric organ skills as he played “Baby Elephant Walk” on stage during our first year skit. Showmanship was just one of the many arrows Allan had in his quiver of talents and we share your sorrow in mourning his departure from our lives. May he rest in peace.
Ralph and Bonnie Clarke
Procter, BC
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Dianne Dear Hanne, Inge and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are truly blessed to have known such a wonderful person.
Dianne, Cory and Scott
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Kathleen and Jim Blohm Dear Hanna and family,
We are saddened to hear of Allan’s passing. We have fond memories of our times at Van Isle marina. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
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Lori Stocks and Mark Ranson Lori Stocks and Mark Ranson,
To Hanne and your families,
We have many pictures of the happy times we had as neighbours on our boats and out cruising. We’ve been thinking about you a lot over these past few days. Words cannot express our shock and sorrow. Our heartfelt thoughts and feelings go out to you and your family at this time.
love
Lori and Mark
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Blair and Jane Bennett We are saddened to learn of Allan’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Hanne and family. With heartfelt condolences.
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Pam Hyatt Dear Hanne, Inge and families
I was so saddened to hear of your tragic loss, it’s sad and tragic at anytime but somehow especially so this time of year. You have my deepest condolences.
Pam Hyatt
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Agnes Collins Hanne and family
We are deeply saddened to hear of the untimely loss of Allan. Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and family.
Allan was such an extraordinary individual. He approached both his personal and professional life with the highest of standards. We greatly admired his devotion to Hanne and his family, and his tremendous spirit of fun and adventure. We were so fortunate that our children were able to spend time together in their younger years. My boys always loved those times and adored their “uncle” Allan. Allan’s zany but wonderful sense of humour guaranteed much laughter and good times whenever our families got together. He will be missed but certainly never forgotten.
Hanne, we are so very sorry for your loss and are thinking of you and your family. Please know that we are only a phone call away if we can help in any way. May the many good memories of your life together provide comfort to you during this very difficult time.
With our love
Agnes and family
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Wayne and Louise Hawker We were saddened to hear of Allan’s passing. Louise and I have fond memories of our times together at Michener Park and the first dental practice in Millwoods. Our deepest condolences to you Hanna and to your family.
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Barry Dextraze I wish to express my heartfelt sorrow to you Hanne and your family for your loss.
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Donna Bereznicki Dear Hanne and family
As a dental classmate of Allan’s I was deeply saddened by his sudden and unexpected death. I have many fond memories of our days of dental education.
During this time of sadness may you find comfort in the sympathy expressed by your friends and loved ones.
Donna Bereznicki
Class of 1975
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Garry and Ruth Lunn Dear Hanne and family. We are sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences.
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Geoff Williams It was with great sadness and a sense of personal loss that we heard of Allan’s passing. Over the 37 years that we knew him we developed a high regard for his professionalism and business ethics. Before long we came to think of him and Hanne and Inge as extended family.
He was a very caring man and it was a pleasure and privilege to know him.His untimely passing has been a great shock to all our family. We watched through his eyes as his children and grandchildren grew up and are aware of how proud he was of them. He has left a fine legacy that will outlive him.
Please accept our sincere condolences,
Geoff, Kathi, Mark and Marysa Williams
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Leo and Carron Bilodeau Dear Hanne and Family.
Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Allan, a friend and colleague.
Warmest regards
Leo and Carron Bilodeau
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Kirk Matheson Hanna and family, I am sorry to hear of your loss. He always had time to talk to me when we met, and I will miss him and his smile. My sympathy to you and your family. Kirk
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Jim McNab I have fond memories of our years together at U of A dental school 1971-1975.
My condolences to Al’s family.
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Maggie Skaarup Dear Hanne, Inge and families – I am at a loss for words to convey my deep sorrow at this very sad time. Dr. Kuzyk was a wonderful man – always so professional, polite and personable. Please know I am thinking of you, and pray for your peace and comfort in the days ahead. God Bless!
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Betty D'Arcy So sorry to hear of my second cousin, Allan’s, passing. We had the pleasure of meeting Michael and Karen for the first time last summer, thanks to my sister, Barbara, who was also a long time patient. Our condolences to the family.
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george schwam To Hanna, Inge and families,
I was very saddened to hear about Allan Passing. All of you made me feel welcome and I always enjoyed my weekly visits. He will be sadly missed but not forgotten. George Schwam
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Brian and Bonnie Krysko Hanne and Family,
Our Sincere Sympathy to you and your Family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Brian and Bonnie Krysko
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Nancy Martens Dear Hanne and Inge, Michael and Christina, I am so saddened to hear of Allan’s untimely death. Allan was my dentist for 31 years and was the best dentist ever. Thankfully I’m sure both Inge and he realized this as I said this routinely. Having been my dentist for almost half my lifetime I often joked with him about retiring but he assured me he wasn’t going to retire…I never imagined…I am going to miss you all so much.
I am confident Allan’s smiles will live on in the lives of his patients. I can speak for friends whom I referred to his practice and we all so appreciated the professional dental care you provided to us for so many years.
I am holding you in my heart.
Love,
Nancy Martens
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Paul McDougall So sad to hear of Allan’s passing. I used to really enjoy our “hallway chats”. One of the the finest dental professionals that
I had the pleasure to have worked with. He will truly be missed!
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Penny Blewett Dear Hanne, Inge, Michael and Christina and families
We didn’t know Allan well but we always felt like we did because we are all family. It’s hard to imagine what you are going through right now and we are so sorry for your loss of one who was so loved and so larger than life.
May your memories see you through and may your love for Allan keep you all wrapped in the love he had for all of you.From the Blewetts – Penny, Bill, Nick, Cynthia, Rhys, Evan, Tabitha, Lily and Lotus
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Suzanne Bulmer Dear Hanne, Inge and family,
My heartfelt condolences to all of you. I will miss Allan’s
kind smile and cheerful greetings on the 5th floor each day.
Kindest regards
Suzanne Bulmer
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Preston Randall To Hanne, Inge and their families,
We met Allan, Hanne and Inge some 18 years ago through the dental practice, and over the years developed a strong friendship that surpassed any normal doctor/client relationship. This was in large part due to the incredible warmth and vitality of Allan, who always appeared cheerful and truly interested in whatever was happening in our lives. And Hanne and Inge echoed this generosity of spirit.
When we first learned of Allan’s sudden illness, we assumed it was just a temporary setback, as it was impossible to imagine that anything could get the better of him. I know it is of little consolation at this saddest of times, but I hope everyone eventually realizes that Allan will always be with us, and we will celebrate his life for his positive influence on us and all those who knew him.
With love,
Preston and Lynda
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Marie Williams Hanne and family..We are sooo saddened to hear of Allan’s passing. He was truly an amazing man and the love you have for each other was beautiful to see. Hold tight to your memories and know that even though he isn’t here in body, his spirit will live on through you, your children and grandchildren. With our heartfelt thoughts and condolences. Marie,Teresa, Heather, Dr.Padachey and Dr. Hall (Victoria Endodontics)
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Kathleen To Hanne, Inge and families,
Heartfelt condolences at this tragic loss.
As part of your patient “family”, I will always remember Dr. Kuzyk’s laughter and lighthearted approach to life along with his serious approach to my dental health.
He will be missed.
Hugs,
Kathleen
I can’t believe he’s gone. I always enjoyed my visits with the whole team but talking about sailing made the trip to the dentist something to look forward to. Dr. Kuzyk made me feel like a friend more than a patient. I’d pictured him living to a great old age. He will be missed greatly. I hope you find peace Hanne and Inge.