Obituary – Lloyd Ralph Kostiuck

Lloyd Ralph Kostiuck
January 5th, 1925 – January 18th, 2026

Lloyd took his last breath while holding Evelyn’s hand at Whistle Bend Place, Whitehorse on January 18th, 2026.

Born January 5th, 1925, near Lidgett, Saskatchewan to Lena Galen and Victor Kostiuck, Lloyd grew up on the Prairies and Fort St. John during a time when grit, ingenuity and self-reliance weren’t ideals – they were necessities. His early life was shaped by land, weather, horses and hard work, and by a family willing to move forward even when the path was uncertain.

In 1949, Lloyd married Evelyn Curiston, beginning a partnership that would anchor his life. Their story, marked by devotion and teamwork, was one of steadiness and shared adventure. Together, they raised their family while navigating remote camps, long workdays and the rhythms of northern life.

In 1952, Lloyd and Evelyn arrived in Watson Lake, Yukon, a place that would become their home for more than seven decades. As a blacksmith, welder, mechanic and later as a key figure with the Yukon Electrical Company, Lloyd played a foundational role in building and maintaining the infrastructure that allowed Watson Lake to grow. Over a 27-year career with Yukon Electric, he helped keep the lights on literally and figuratively. He retired on July 2nd, 1987, but never truly stopped building or fixing.

Lloyd quietly helped build community as well. He was very involved in the early Watson Lake Community Club, curling, square dancing and church life at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, which remained a defining and grounding presence throughout his life.

One enduring symbol of Lloyd’s quiet contribution stands at the entrance to the original cemetery at Lucky Lake: a metal gate he fabricated and installed in 1956. If you look closely on the inside of the top pipe, you’ll find his name and the year welded there – never meant for attention, but still standing.

Lloyd found deep joy and peace in the outdoors, particularly through fishing, introduced to him by his close friend Rudy Couture. He spent more than 50 years on Frances Lake and River including many moose hunts with his friend Reiner Rembe.

Lloyd is survived by his beloved wife, Evelyn; his children Patrick, Karen (Tom) and Clifford (Debra); his seven grandchildren Nigel (Suzan), Shannon, Nicole (Farzin), Chelsea (Mario), Melissa, Lindsay (Travis) and Galen; and his eight great-grandchildren Rayne, Alyra, Eryx, Darius, Eduardo, Fiona, Nicholas and William – along with a wide circle of extended family, friends and community members.

A service to celebrate Lloyd’s life will be held at a later date and announced when arrangements are finalized. For those who wish to be informed, please email lloydhasgonefishing@gmail.com.

Cards can be sent to Evelyn Kostiuck c/o Whistle Bend Place, 90 Olive May Way, Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 0R4.