Richard John Skrzyzala

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Richard John Skrzyzala: husband, son, brother, and uncle. After a brave, short battle with cancer, Rick passed away surrounded by love on February 19, 2025. Rick was born March 30, 1957, in Coleman, AB, and grew up with his parents and four siblings. Their rural, self-sufficient lifestyle fostered his lifelong love of the outdoors. He hunted, camped, and fished—Rick loved the peace and solitude of the wilderness.

Rick joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in Calgary, AB, in 1975. After Basic Training, and Aircraft Instrument and Electrical Technician Training in Borden, ON, and Cornwallis, NS—graduating with top student honours—he transferred to Cold Lake, AB, and then in 1981 moved to Baden-Soellingen, Germany, continuing his work on the CF104 Starfighter.

He returned to Canada in 1985 and was posted to Shearwater, NS, where he worked with Sea King Helicopters and with the Helicopter Detachments on board a number of different ships. In 1989 Rick was part of the transferring team of the Maritime Helicopter Squadron from Shearwater to Patricia Bay in Sidney, BC.
 

In 1993 he moved to National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa as part of the Logistical Analysis Team for a new Shipborne Helicopter Replacement Project. From 1994 through to 2003, Rick was based in Comox, BC, working on the Aurora Maritime Patrol aircraft and the Labrador Helicopter. In 2003 he returned to Patricia Bay, BC, as Air Detachment Superintendent on HMCS Ottawa. Rick’s next move was to Air Division Headquarters in Winnipeg as Aviation Technician Senior Occupational Advisor.
 

In 2007 Rick returned to CFB Comox, promoted to Chief Warrant Officer for #442 Transport and Rescue Squadron. Rick retired in 2009 and over his 35 years of service, a promotion marked each career move. His clear dedication to the Royal Canadian Air Force earned him the utmost respect from the aircraft technician community, new privates, and senior leadership. Rick’s greatest satisfaction was always found in teaching and mentoring.

Rick met Kate just as he retired, they fell in love, and married in August of 2012. They discovered a shared love of travel and explored many new countries and cultures together. Whether at home in Black Creek with their beloved dogs or travelling, the most important part for Rick and Kate was sharing their time and adventures together.

While on the West Coast, Rick discovered his love of sailing, finding peace and joy on the water. One of his greatest adventures was sailing the West Coast to Alaska and back, sharing this extraordinary experience with Kate, friends, and family.

Rick had a huge heart and a big smile. He made people feel like they mattered. He never failed to offer a hand if asked, or if he simply saw a need. He deeply valued his friendships and maintained these friendships over distance and time. His generosity and kindness were shown in his caring for so many people and he was a man of action who never complained but found ways to do what was needed, never shying away from a challenge.

Rick loved to cook and his hospitality was legendary. He shared his love of food and fine wines with many good friends and family. It also gave him pleasure to cook for a crowd so he often volunteered to barbecue at different types of events and parties.

After his retirement in 2009, Rick joined the 888 (Stocky Edwards) Wing RCAF and soon after began serving on the executive. In 2012/2013 he served as President and since remained an active volunteer where he relished the camaraderie of his fellow service members.
 

Over the years he volunteered his time, skills, and enthusiasm with several different organizations. As a young man, Rick was very involved with Scouts Canada and he was selected to serve as District Commissioner while stationed in Europe. The mentoring opportunities of Scouts Canada brought him great joy.

One of the first to build a home on Robinson Lake in Black Creek, he was an active, founding member of the Robinson Lake Property Owners Association (RLPOA). He enjoyed his many hours with members of the Oyster River Enhancement Society and the Macaulay Road and Area Neighbourhood Association. His enthusiastic energy was always appreciated.

In addition to his volunteer activities, Rick facilitated a support group for seniors, “Minds in Motion”; many enjoyed his outgoing company and his home-baked treats, just another of Rick’s skills!

For several years after his retirement, Rick used his Class 1 License to drive Long Haul Trucks in BC—often in inclement winter weather. His strong sense of commitment to a safe workplace led to his involvement with pre-employment Drug and Alcohol Screening Programs and Testing.

Rick was a loving husband, a devoted uncle, and a loyal friend to many.

Rick was predeceased by his parents Annie and Ludvik Skrzyzala; and his first wife, Manon, and their infant son, Daniel. He is missed every day by his life partner Kathryn Carlson and her family; his close family from Campbell River: sister Patricia Harding (Paul), niece Erin (Chris), nephew Alex (Maddie); and many friends all across Canada and other parts of the world. Alberta siblings include Linda (Ken) Petrone, Ken (Anne Lapointe) Easton, and Barbara Clemens, as well as many nieces and nephews across Canada, as well as family in the Czech Republic.

We are very grateful for the kind and compassionate care provided by Dr. Willem Prinsloo and staff at the Campbell River Hospital during Rick’s final days.

Donations in Rick’s memory may be made to:

The Canadian Cancer Society (Esophageal Cancer)

http://bccancerfoundation.com/RichardSkrzyzala