The Canadian volleyball community mourns the loss of Al Kostiuk, team member and former captain of the national men’s volleyball team, who passed away on November 15, 2015.

Al played on the national team from 1977 to 1979, participating in World Championship, World Cup and Pan American Games competition for Canada – winning a bronze medal in the 1979 Pan American Games.

Born and raised in Manitoba, Al played on collegiate teams at Brigham Young University and the University of Victoria. He won a Canada Games gold medal with BC and competed on the BC Olympics club team, winning a national championship. Al was a tenacious middle blocker and highly skilled player on the national team, widely known for his leadership, technical ability and fighting spirit. He later spent a year playing professionally in Rome, Italy.

Al also contributed significantly to our sport as a businessman and builder, conducting youth clinics upon his retirement from playing and later introducing the Baden ball to schools, universities and clubs across the country. Through his sponsorship activities, Al was closely involved in the creation of CIS all-star awards banquet and the notion of weekly top 10 rankings, which greatly increased the profile and exposure of volleyball in our country.

He is survived by his wife Pam, sisters Joanne and Sandy, and father Tom and is fondly remembered by his friends and teammates, who knew him as ‘Big Al’. His indomitable will, sense of humor and courageous spirit remain with us forever.

A memorial for Al will take place on November 28, 2015 in Vancouver.

For further information or to communicate wishes, please contact Tom Jones at [email protected]