121 The Royal Canadian Legion www.mbnwo.legion.ca KOLESAR, Thomas Norman WWII Leading Aircraftman Thomas N. Kolesar of Neepawa (R 148593) Serving Police, No. 3 Flying Instructor School. He died on November 16, 1942, at the age of 21 and is commemorated at Riverside Cemetery in Neepawa. He was the son of Steve and Elsie Kolesar of Neepawa. He was born and educated in Springhill, Manitoba and on leaving school was employed by Collier’s in Winnipeg and later Simpson’s Department Store in Toronto. Thomas enlisted in the RCAF in December 1941 and trained in Toronto, Kingston, and Arnprior. He was accidentally killed during guard duties in Arnprior, Ontario (Pittman n.d.). Kolesar Island (64 F/1) in Barrington Lake was named after him in 1995. He is buried at Riverside Cemetery in Neepawa, Manitoba, Lot 8, Block 6, Range 5. KOLESAR, William Joseph WWII Billie was born in Neepawa, Manitoba to William and Annie Kolesar. He spent his early years in Kelwood and Detroit. He served his country in the Canadian Army first with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, then as a member of theWinnipeg Rifles duringWorldWar II. He received his honourable discharge in 1946 after serving in Canada, Britain and northwest Europe. Billie married Phyllis Andrew in 1949 and together they raised four sons on the farm in Kelwood. They moved to Brandon in 1973, where he worked as a heavy equipment operator in the area before retiring to Rapid City in 1983. Beside being a farmer, Billie’s talents were seen in his work as a welder, millwright, heavy equipment operator and mechanic. In his retirement years, he enjoyed walking through the valley near his home with his constant companion, his dog Brandy, searching for a big buck to target in hunting season.William passed away on August 15, 1994, after a courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 71. KOSTENCHUK, John WWII John was born on July 7, 1914, in Mountain Road, Manitoba. He married Tessie Swiskoski in 1939. They lived in Neepawa since 1942 and had three daughters and two sons. He served for four years during World War II in the armed forces serving in Canada, England, Continental Europe and North Pacific areas. Upon returning, he was employed in the theatre business for 25 years. He managed the Neepawa Golf and Country Club for three years after which he retired. He was active in his community as a member of the Roman Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 23. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, and fishing. During his last years, he enjoyed visiting the residents of East View Lodge and his church work. John passed away on August 29, 1981.
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