NICHOLAS CARL RYHORCHUK
OCTOBER 4, 1928 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013
It is with a heavy heart that I announce
the passing of my Father; my best
friend, teacher, and problem solver. He
was the kindest, thoughtful and giving
man that I have ever known, and he
could always be counted on. He was
very proud of his Ukrainian heritage.
Dad is survived by his daughter,
Laurie; husband, Tim Farrell and
granddaughter, Jean, who was the
apple of his eye and his brother, Maron (Marylyn, Teri, Debbie and families.)
Dad is predeceased by his loving wife of 42 years, Jean (Finlayson); sister in law Mona Finlayson, his son, Douglas Kevin (Betty); his brothers, John (Linda, Sharon, Daphne, Garry and
Kevin) and Eddie. Dad’s parents, William and Mary (Kolcheski)
who came from their native land Nova Sylka, Ternopil, Oblast Ukraine. Dad worked from a very early age for the C.N.R, from very small
towns in Saskatchewan, Reynaud, Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Peace River Alta, Edmonton Alta and then off to Northern BC Prince George, where he was promoted to Regional Rules Instructor. He travelled as far as Gimli, Manitoba to teach and examine employees. We were so proud of him and how hard and
long he worked... and never backed down. He taught us kids, and some who had met him along the way, the importance of sticking to something you believe in… and that always... always... family comes first.
Dad suffered a lot throughout the years since my Mother was diagnosed with cancer, and he saw us all through this. His only son, Douglas, fought for many years with his illness, but left us in
2008, and after that Dad started to really slow down, until at a time, 4-5 years ago that he could not live by himself. I was so very blessed to have had that time to share so many memories,
as I moved in with him as a 24/7 caregiver. We were so fortunate
to have our cousin, Bishop Ken Nowakowski in our lives, and even though he travelled the world we were always able to get a hold of him for Dad and he always came. We were so lucky that when dad’s time was near that Father Ken came to Dad’s and our
sides...to give a blessing.
Dad was a member of the Masonic Lodge and also of the ELKs of Canada. He and Mom both gave their "all" to these causes, such as, Hearing Impaired Children, and numerous fundraisers.
I would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Pretty, Dr. Joshi and Dr. O'Brien for many years of caring for my Dad, and to the Emergency Dr’s. and ICU staff... and for the nurses and
staff at Dr. Hogg Pavilion 3, White Rock. A huge thank you for the
caring of Dad, for exceptional care and for allowing me to spend the nights I did to be by his side. RIP Tato, I know you are in a better place, and you are not gone, you are "Just on the other side of that door" I love you Dad....
A Celebration of Dad’s life will be held at White Rock Elks Lodge
431, 1469 George Street White Rock on Tuesday March 19th 2013 from 1-4 pm. Condolences may be offered at www.victoryfuneralcentre.ca
Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre
604-536-6522