Richard (Rick) Anthony Sokol

It is with heavy hearts, that our family announces the passing of our beloved husband and father at 76 years of age, on Friday, December 20th at Riverview Health Centre.

Rick leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Shirley, daughter, Christy (Kevin), son, Cory (Monica) and his precious grandchildren, Madison, Hayden and Ashtyn Brown. Also mourning his loss are his sister, Linda (Al) Browning, extended family, and many friends.

Rick grew up in Elmwood and attended Lord Selkirk and Elmwood High School. He was predeceased by his parents, Tony and Margaret Sokol. From a young age, he had a great interest in all things automotive and was even driving before he turned 16, down the back lane behind his house – until he was caught! That interest never waned and he owned, worked on and restored countless cars over his lifetime. His last, and longest full restoration project was his ‘69 Chevy C10 truck. He was often spotted around the city in his yellow truck and at car shows. He was so happy that his son had similar interests and the two could talk forever on anything car related.

Rick and Shirley (nee Swyston) married on April 5th, 1975 and were just a few months short of celebrating their 50th anniversary. They had a happy, loving, life together and enjoyed travelling to Mexico, Hawaii and taking Caribbean cruises. Many summers were spent camping with family and friends. Becoming a father was so important to Rick and he was a full on dad from changing diapers, to watching hours of dance recitals, coaching soccer and more. Holiday car trips, camping and boating, made for more wonderful family memories. In more recent years, two highlights for Rick were walking Christy down the aisle and being the best man at Cory’s wedding. He was so very proud of his children. Becoming Papa to his three grandkids was the icing on the cake for Rick. Getting to do this all over again with the grandkids brought such joy to him every day, from attending more dance recitals, concerts, birthdays, soccer games and hockey games. (So many hockey games!) Rick loved and was devoted to his family and truly interested in everything they were doing.

After high school, Rick completed an apprenticeship at CN Rail, moved on to work at Drag Mart, then Air Canada, eventually settling into his long term job in automotive parts sales with Allied Signal/Bendix. As was his nature, he was a low key salesman, something his customers came to trust and appreciate. In retirement, Rick had more time to focus on his car hobby and complete his truck and drive his ‘31 Model A around town to connect with his network of ‘car guys’. Always tweaking things on the vehicles, his attention to detail was truly amazing. He loved sharing information with the guys and learning from them as well. Rick took great pride in maintaining his yard and home too.

Thank you to all of you who have been a part of Rick’s life. And thank you to the staff that cared for Rick in the past weeks at HSC Stroke Recovery Unit, HSC H7 and at Riverview Palliative Care.

Rick was the best husband, dad, grandpa, brother and uncle that a family could have. He was a good man, a hard worker, and a loving, caring husband. Rick left us too soon but will be forever in our hearts. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place and no funeral service will be held. A celebration with family and friends may occur at a later date.

If friends so desire, donations in Rick’s memory can be made to Heart and Stroke, Riverview Health Centre or a charity of your choice.

We love you with all our hearts Rick… and we will miss you forever.