BEVERLY JEAN (FULTON) KOTNIK

How do you say good-bye to someone who has filled so many hearts?
With heavy hearts and joyful memories, the family of Beverly Jean (Fulton) Kotnik announces her passing on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre in Thunder Bay, Ont.
Always thinking of others, she waited until her family arrived so we all could say good-bye and wish her peace on her journey.
Beverly was born April 14, 1951 in International Falls, Mn. She was raised in Ranier, Mn.
Bev’s community spirit was nurtured by her parents, Jack and Jessie (Sexton) Fulton at a young age. She was quick to respond to the needs of her community, friends, and family.
If someone was in need, she would move mountains to ensure those needs were met.
Beverly was a long-time community activist, and spent tireless hours organizing and working for the Irish booth at “Culturama,” volunteering on the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce board and the Canadian Mental Health Association board, and fundraising for the “Community Chest” and Fort Frances District Community Living Association.
She also was very active in events for the Ranier Recreation Club in earlier years. If you looked up the word volunteer in the dictionary, there would be Beverly’s picture.
Bev was a true “people person,” and loved meeting people and welcoming them into the fold. If you were a friend of Bev’s, you also were considered family.
Bev had many jobs, the most recent and fulfilling being her employment with the Fort Frances and District Community Living Association, where she worked for 32 years until ill health caused her to retire early.
Bev’s greatest joy was having her grandchildren, Braeden and Riley, visit each summer. She took great pleasure in showing them where she grew up and was determined to ensure they knew their cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Family was most important to her. She loved to cook and entertain, and was happiest when her house was full.
Bev had many joys in life, including the occasional casino run, Texas hold ’em game, or family event.
One of her most recent passions was her Lakers’ hockey team. Needing something to fill her time after retirement, Bev took on the Lakers’ with a vengeance. When they were able to secure the Dudley Hewitt tournament for this past April, she was thrilled.
Beverly leaves behind her husband, John ”Otey” Kotnik; son, Shawn Bolsinger (Samantha Whitaker); grandchildren, Braeden and Riley Whitaker; brothers, Bob (Jackie) Fulton and John “Wally” (Nancy) Fulton; sister-in-law, Peg Fulton; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, extended family, and friends of both sides of the border.
Bev was predeceased by her parents, Jack and Jessie Fulton; brothers, Dick Fulton and Danny Fulton; and infant sister, Denise.
Funeral services will take place Saturday, May 9, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances, Ont., with Fr. Victor De Gagné officiating.
A luncheon in the church basement will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the Fort Frances Community Chest Fund or the Fort Frances Lakers Hockey Association c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com