In memoriam: Dr. Wesley Koczka

It’s with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Dr. Wesley J. Koczka on March 9. Wes worked at UVic from September 1988 to February 2007. He was hired initially as a program coordinator in Education Extension, then assumed the role of director of the English Language Centre, and was appointed dean of the Division of Continuing Studies in 1997. He served as dean until 2007. Later, he held senior leadership roles in the in the private university sector and then at Thompson Rivers University, where he took on the role of associate vice-president international and CEO of TRU World Global Operations.

Wes had foresight and strategic sense and was totally committed to internationalization. His professional approach was enhanced by his unique charm, wit and sense of fun. He was an avid golfer, lover of a wide range of music and, above all, an extremely proud father to Stephanie, Scott and Kim.

The following are words of tribute from some of his colleagues in the Division of Continuing Studies:

When Wes first came to UVic, he was young, enthusiastic, out-going and ambitious; an entrepreneur in an academic atmosphere. Focused, always learning and consultative, he was also decisive. Mixed with a great sense of humour, a compassionate nature and a gift for friendship, he was a joy to work for and with. Early experiences in exchanges between East China Normal University teachers and UVic were an initial introduction to what became an international focus both at UVic and later in his career. —Jane Wooley

He always had ideas of what the division could become, where the division could expand and how people around the world could learn from each other. He took those visions to Thompson Rivers University and built TRU World and gave many more students opportunities to grow educationally by living in a different country and meeting others from different cultures. The ripples fan out. His life had meaning. —Diane Anderson

When Wes walked into a room you were immediately aware of his presence; call it charisma, personality or just the way he commanded the physical space. His greatest legacy to Continuing Studies at UVic is the building in which the English Language Centre and many other program and administrative units are housed; we will be forever grateful for his tireless efforts in accomplishing that goal. My best memories of him are of when he was joking around, his references to his “little Hungarian brain,” and his famous line “Keep up the fair-to-average work” —always said with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. —Janet McDonald
His managerial approach was collaborative and respectful. There was always time to share a laugh. I will remember Wes for [his] intelligence, courage, respect, and dignity. —Lona McRae

We have very fond memories of Wes as a kind, thoughtful and generous man, whose sense of humour was uplifting. Wes was a true leader; he enjoyed his role as dean and, apart from his plans to ensure that the goals of the division were met, his tireless dedication to the staff and the division as a whole was exemplary. It was a busy office and we all worked hard but thanks to “our Wes” we sure had a lot of laughs along the way. And his passion for music was rewarding to us al— it brought a smile and sense of calmness when entering his office. And, boy what a sharp dresser he was, too! —Cheryl Rhode and Valma Lanceley

We will miss Wes very much and feel very fortunate to have had the experience of working with him.