Obituary of Alexander Miron Kurczak
Alexander Miron Kurczak passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, with his children at his side.
Predeceased by his parents, Alexander and Katherine Kurczak; stepfather, Peter Zuk; his brother-in-law, Gerard Lyons; and his daughter-in-law, Brooke Myers.
He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Erin Bechtel (Darrell) and Braden (Tracey); his grandchildren, Felix, Tevya, and Quinley; and his cherished sister, Svethlana Lyons.
Born in Welland, Ontario on May 18, 1952, Miron was a proud and thoughtful man known for his intelligence and determination. The son of post-war immigrants, he grew up holding values of resilience, hard work, and pride, which shaped his identity throughout his life.
Miron attended University at Brock and Western. His interest in science led him to a career in education, teaching at St. David in Waterloo, in the late 1970s and early 1980s; teaching came naturally to Miron. Never one to stop learning, he earned his MBA from Wilfrid Laurier, leading to opportunities in the public and private sector.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Miron was an active member of the Ukrainian Catholic community in Kitchener. He remained proud of his heritage throughout his life and valued the traditions, culture, and community that came with it.
At home, Miron was a proud father who supported his children's academics, sports, and extracurriculars. He helped them connect with their heritage through Ukrainian dancing and summers at Camp Sokil, a place meaningful from his own youth.
He approached every project with determination and meticulous attention to detail. If Miron decided to build something, it was built to last. Over the years he constructed a pool table in his parent’s basement and countless home projects, including decks, shelving, and sheds. He also loved gardening, and his backyard was once filled with an abundant vegetable garden, berries, and a rose bed he tended with pride.
Miron had a quick wit and an endless supply of stories. Some were true, some were embellished, and all were delivered with a twinkle in his eye. He loved explaining that when he was growing up they were “so poor that everything had to be made out of peanut butter.” Christmas turkey, running shoes, televisions — all, apparently, peanut butter. He also famously invented the mysterious punishment known as “the Dickens,” which he described as far too terrifying to explain, leaving his children equal parts amused and bewildered (and the adults laughing). It was classic Miron storytelling.
His children called him Dad — and occasionally “Pop,” which playfully annoyed him. To his grandchildren Felix, Tevya, and Quinley, he was proudly known as Dido, a role he cherished deeply.
In his later years, Miron lived at The Village at University Gates in Waterloo, where he enjoyed being closer to his children and grandchildren. Visits with family brought him great joy. He loved sitting in the greenhouse or outside together, listening to stories about school, sports, dance, and theatre, and celebrating the accomplishments of the next generation. His face would light up when they walked through the door. The family is deeply grateful to the kindness and compassionate care showed by the staff over the years.
Miron will be remembered at a private family service.
Those who knew Miron will remember a proud and particular man. He had a sharp mind, a wry sense of humour, loved trivia and a good debate.
In the end, and in his own way, he leaves his family with a simple but powerful lesson: that life is complex, and that every person deserves kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.
In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family or donations to Schlegel Village Charitable Foundation may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com.