In Memory of

Richard

"Rick"

Fred

Skopik

Obituary for Richard "Rick" Fred Skopik

Skopik, Richard Fred
August 8, 1952 ~ November 26, 2018

Richard (Rick) Fred Skopik, husband of Joyce Annette Ray Skopik, of Calgary, Alberta passed away on November 26, 2018 at the age of 66 years. Besides his loving wife and partner of 48 years, he is survived by two sons, Nikolas and Morgan. He is also survived by his two sisters, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Rick was a true blue Calgarian (or should I say “red” for the Calgary Flames!), born and raised in Calgary. He lived his adult life within a 5 km radius of his childhood home and returned there for the last twenty years of his life.

Rick’s childhood was full of playing and exploring with his neighbourhood friends until the street lights came on! Cubs and Scouts set the foundation for his future love of the outdoors, as well as teaching survival skills and uncovering his love of building and tinkering with things. Rick’s interest in everything mechanical started early in childhood when he learned how to repair his own bike; this led to his enthusiasm for tinkering on vehicles and small motors. The highlight of his childhood was in Grade 5 when he took his first airplane ride alone to Toronto, Ontario to visit his dad; he didn’t mind that the stewardesses doted on him for the entire trip!
Rick met Joyce while they were in high school. They were together for seven years before getting married during their last year of university. For twelve years, they enjoyed borrowing their nieces and nephews to practice the art of parenting. Family was a significant part of Rick’s life; to him, family wasn’t only his immediate family members, but Joyce’s entire family as well. And, as much as he pretended that he didn’t adore his furry family members, he thought of them fondly. Rick’s two sons, Nikolas and Morgan, were introduced to his winter passion of downhill skiing at a young age, skiing with them on his back until they were old enough to ski on their own. Rick also enjoyed taking his boys to their hockey practices and games.
After receiving a BSc in Geology from the University of Calgary, Rick began his geology career as a student working in mining. When mining came to an end, he joined the oil and gas industry. Rick’s geology career enabled him to work in every province in Canada, except for Prince Edward Island. Joyce joined him on many of his adventures across Canada.

One of Rick’s favourite pastimes was to watch hockey (cheering for the Calgary Flames of course!) and football games. He considered himself an “armchair quarterback”, offering advice to the players from the comfort of his living room!

While downhill skiing was his winter passion, time at Shuswap Lake was his summer one. As a young adult, Rick honed his carpentry skills by finishing his mom’s cabin at Shuswap. He was an all-around handyman. Rick also spent six years building his own cabin at Shuswap, just prior to being diagnosed with ALS. With the help of family and friends, Rick saw the shell of the cabin complete when he was first becoming ill. Thanks to a referral from his friend, Tom, the inside of the cabin was completed by Ron. Rick was grateful to be able to see the beauty of the finished cabin.

In February of 2014, Rick was diagnosed with ALS. After the initial shock, Rick adapted to each new obstacle that ALS presented. He was very appreciative of the support of family, friends, and the ALS Society. His motto during the past few years was, “In the end, all you have are family and friends.”

Throughout his life, Rick had a positive attitude, a caring heart, and a great sense of humour. This sense of humour carried on during his battle with ALS. For those of you who knew Rick, you may remember that you could always count on him to help you, no matter what you were going through. He was incredibly dedicated to his family, friends, and whatever project he was working on.

For the last 10 months of his life, Rick received exceptional care at the Dulcina Hospice. In return, he influenced a lot of people with his intelligent opinions and unique perspectives on things such as Canada’s political climate. Rick’s passion for many things was contagious. Even when he was no longer able to speak, he communicated with his expressive eyes (that twinkled when he was teasing someone) and his infectious smile. Everyone whose lives he touched will notice his absence. Rick will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Memorial Service will be held at Ascension Lutheran Church (1432-19th Street NE) on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 1:00 pm. Memorial donations may be made in Rick’s name to either the ALS Society of Alberta or to Dulcina Hospice in Calgary. To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Rick, please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.