On the morning of March 23rd, Henry Leon Kozak peacefully passed away in his sleep at the Holyoke Soldiers Home, only a few days before his 95th birthday. Born on March 29, 1919 in South Hadley, Henry was the only child of Michael and Mary (Nimchick) Kozak. He graduated from South Hadley High School in 1937 and soon entered the Army Signal Corps. During World War II, Henry achieved the rank of Sergeant and was stationed in Paris, France. His primary duties were photographing the events in the area, and he was issued his own apartment and Jeep to carry out these duties. After returning from his tour of service, Henry was employed as a cabinetmaker, was married and had two children. He worked at Roy Lumber, and Stein's in Springfield, but was later self-employed. In his youth, Henry's father instilled in his son an affinity for the outdoors. Henry enjoyed countless hours fishing and hunting with his father in and around South Hadley, memories he cherished all his life. In his later years, Henry often ventured to New Hampshire's Ashuelot River as a hiatus. He was also a collector of cameras and guns, and was a proud member of the Holyoke Revolver Club for many years. In 2006 Henry was predeceased by his longtime partner, Marie Abbott. Though he was a fiercely independent man, Henry adored Marie and missed her a great deal while they were apart in this life. He was also a dog owner, and before entering the Soldiers Home, Henry had to bid farewell to his loyal companion Tara, his golden retriever and friend. To know Henry was to love him. His time at the Holyoke Soldiers Home was filled with many laughs, as Henry exercised his quick wit multiple times a day. In his downtime he kept his mind active by completing the daily crossword puzzle, and relaxed with a bowl of maple walnut ice-cream or a Schlitz beer. Even on the dreariest days, one could always find a twinkle in Henry's eye and a smile on his face. Henry leaves behind Donna Coombs, his "guardian angel", and Billy O'Neill his "buddy", as well as the staff at the Soldiers Home for whom he was so grateful to have had. He will also be missed by his longtime friend Claire Bedard and pal Bernie Nester. Henry was laid to rest at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in a private service. Toomey-O'Brien Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.

[Published in The Springfield Republican from May 6 to May 11, 2014]