Nelson W. Baziuk

Larger than Life

Nelson is lovingly remembered by his wife of 38 years, Penny L. Baziuk; his children, Dallas Collins and her husband, Kevin Collins; Nelson T. Baziuk and his wife, Susie; and Mark Baziuk and his wife, Wynne; and his eight grandchildren: Dana Winters (née Collins), Erik Collins, Blake Collins, Laura Baziuk, John Baziuk, Kristen Van Steinburg (née Baziuk), Alyssa Johnsen (née Baziuk), and Mary Baziuk.

Nelson was bigger than life. An entrepreneur through and through, he was a man ahead of his time in many ways. He had an incredible ability to see an opportunity, come up with an idea, and find a way to make it happen. Nelson was not a man who took no for an answer.

Over the course of his 60-year business career, Nelson employed thousands of people. Many of his key staff stayed with him for more than 25 years, a reflection of the long-standing relationships he built throughout his career.

Through Nor-Pac Marketing, Nelson represented McLean Hunter, later Rogers, across Western Canada and Ontario for 60 years. Always looking for new opportunities, he started Northern Pacific Security Systems from scratch, long before in-house security companies became popular.

His entrepreneurial ventures didn’t stop there. He established Riplees Ranch Super Premium Pet Food, a home-delivery dog and cat and pet food company that at one time had many distributors. He also started Nor-Pac Lighting and Miss Beauty Seal, a cosmetics company, and was an owner of Marlin Travel.

Nelson was not only a businessman but also a creative and inventive man. He loved music and played the keyboard, harmonica, and guitar. He was a singer and songwriter, with copyrights to numerous songs, including “Reindeer and the Wind” and “Tall Shadows.” His inventive mind also led him to patent the Spoon Saver.

Penny often told Nelson, “I love you more than yesterday but not as much as tomorrow.” His reply was always, “I love you more.”

Nelson loved boating and embraced the RV lifestyle. He and Penny spent more than 35 winters living in Palm Desert, California, enjoying the warmth and the lifestyle they loved. Wherever life took them, Nelson often said, “Home is where Penny is.”

Nelson lived life his own way. He was determined, resourceful, creative, and always looking for the next opportunity. He had an entrepreneurial spirit that never seemed to slow down and a remarkable ability to turn his ideas into reality.

Nelson’s life was filled with business ventures, music, innovation, and adventure. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy and a story that is uniquely his own.

Larger than life, a man of many talents, and truly one of a kind.

In accordance with Nelson W. Baziuk’s wishes, there will be no service.

 

Memories from His Children

 

Memories from Nelson T. Baziuk

Dad really opened up our world when we were young. He gave us opportunities and experiences that have stayed with us our entire lives.

He taught us how to ski, although his idea of a beginner’s lesson was one attempt down the green run before loading us all onto the chairlift. And then there were those unforgettable days out on the water aboard the Sweet Thing with Penny, making memories that we still talk about today.

Dad was an adventurer, and we were lucky enough to be brought along on some pretty amazing adventures. He also taught us the value of hard work, even if I didn’t always appreciate spending an entire Saturday cleaning the boat when there were far better things a kid could be doing.

But one of the greatest things Dad gave me was confidence. He encouraged me to come up with a good idea, believe in it, and follow it through. That’s something I’ve carried with me throughout my life.

Dad was a man who lived life on his own terms. Looking back, I realize how much those early experiences shaped me. He taught me that hard work matters, that a good idea is worth pursuing, and that life is a lot more interesting when you’re willing to have an adventure.

Thanks for the adventures, Dad, and for giving us the confidence to find our own.

You will be remembered, and you will be missed.

Memories from Dallas

Some of my happiest childhood memories were made on the water with Dad. His first boat was called the Patti II, and we would go up the Fraser River together. Being on the water with him was one of my favourite things. It made him happy, and I loved simply being there with him, enjoying the ocean.

As we got older and the boats got bigger, Dad would let Nelson and Mark take the dinghy out to explore, keeping in touch with them by walkie-talkie. Those were special times.

If Dad gave you a chore to do, you best do it right or you would be doing it again. Lesson learned.

Later, when Erik and Blake were young, some of my favourite memories were of being on the boat and meeting up with you all at Scott Point. The kids would fish off the wharf and spend time hanging out with Grandpa. Dad really enjoyed having the grandchildren around when they were young.

I’ll never forget the time Dad worried about Blake climbing a big rock because he was afraid Blake might fall and hurt himself. Blake reassured him, saying, “Don’t worry, Grandpa. I’ve been climbing for many years!” That made Dad laugh and laugh.

One of the greatest gifts was seeing Dad smile and watching him enjoy being out on the water.

I will also miss the long conversations we had on the phone about everything — world affairs, economics, inventions, and politics. He was so much fun to talk to.

Knowing that Dad loved me was the greatest gift he gave me, and I will always be thankful for that.

Our relationship was complicated. I always loved this man, always. But for a long time, I felt that I wasn’t good enough. I now know I was wrong. ❤️

Memories from Mark

My clearest memories of Dad begin around the age of eight. He taught me to play chess at an early age, and his challenge was for me to make each game last longer than the one before. It took years, but I finally won! I’ve since passed that challenge on to my grandson Noah.

Dad taught us to swim at the Sheraton Villa by throwing coins into the pool for us to retrieve.

When I was around 11, Dad and I were skiing at Grouse Mountain. I came into the chairlift lineup too quickly and skied over the skis of more than 40 people! Dad made me apologize to every one of them. That day, I learned a lesson in respect and humility.

Every second weekend, Dad would pick up my brother, sister and me, and he was always on time. There were so many adventures: flying aircraft, boating, fishing, shooting, riding minibikes, playing pool, and much more. Dad always said, “Do one hour of chores, and then we’ll have fun.”

When I was 19, I worked for one of Dad’s companies, Nor-Pac Lighting, cleaning and refurbishing light fixtures. The company later moved into electrical installations, and I was indentured as an apprentice. Dad saw an opportunity to transition the company into union work, and that decision changed my life. It led to a 44-year career as a union electrician, and I’m still enjoying the benefits today through my pension and part-time teaching.

When I was married and had three girls, Dad made sure the adventures continued for all five of us. He and Penny arranged trips to Las Vegas so my siblings and their spouses could all be together. One night at the Excalibur, we almost got kicked out for having too much fun — we were a little too loud!

Dad taught me about love, understanding, courage, and a strong work ethic. We would all be less without you both in our lives.

Listen to John Denver’s “Sunshine on My Shoulders.” Dad was the sunshine.

God bless you, Dad.

Your son,
Speeder (Mark)

 

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McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

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