Biography

Ihor Anatoliiovych Kozyr was born on April 24, 1987, in the village of Hroza, Kharkiv region. From his youth he was known for his energy and skill. He received vocational education and became a builder, mastering his trade largely on his own. Friends and relatives remembered him as a man with “golden hands,” able to repair, construct, and create with speed and precision.

During the full‑scale war, Ihor devoted himself to volunteering. He helped evacuate residents from Shevchenkove, transporting them across the Pechenihy dam, which was the only route to safety during the occupation. His courage and dedication saved many lives. Despite the risks, he remained in his native village, where he was detained several times by occupying forces because of his past military service and rank of sergeant.

Ihor built a family life with his wife Kseniia. Their son Ivan was the joy of his life, and he cherished every moment of fatherhood. His mother remembered how tenderly he cared for his wife during pregnancy and how proud he was when his son was born.

On October 5, 2023, fate took a tragic turn. Ihor attended a memorial meal for his cousin Andrii, a fallen defender of Ukraine, in a café in Hroza. Russian forces launched a missile strike on the gathering, killing dozens of civilians. Among the victims were Ihor himself, his young son Ivan, his sister Olha, and his father Anatolii. His wife survived but was hospitalized with injuries.

He is remembered as a devoted husband and father, a caring son, and a volunteer whose bravery and kindness touched many lives. His memory endures in his family, his community, and in the legacy of help he gave to others.