Rick died on February 3, 2022 following a brave battle with esophageal cancer, confirmed to be a result of exposure to workplace hazards while serving as a Firefighter in Saanich. He retired as an Assistant Chief with 32 years of service. He died a hero.
Always a very funny guy, Rick kept his sense of humour right to the end. The day before he died, he told his wife as he was suffering in pain and said “You can remove -he passed peacefully- from my obituary”.
Rick was born in and spent his whole life in Victoria. He was predeceased by his father (John Shumka), his mother and step father (Annie & Fred Malish) and his brother (John Shumka).
Rick will be dearly missed by his beloved wife Bridget, his loving children Travis (Kim), Candice (Chris) and Aharon and his very special grandchildren Jake, Brooke and Lily.
Aside from his firefighting job, Rick had a construction company and built/renovated many homes. Always someone who jumped at the chance to try something new, he took up real estate after retirement. Rick was passionate about skiing, hiking, fishing, long driving trips and politics. He mostly loved cars which he restored and painted. His final project was to build a 1935 replica Miller Ford Race Car, his dream car, a project that kept him going during his illness.
Rick seemed to know everyone everywhere and always had all the time in the world for the people in his life. Rick was well loved and respected by the auto hobby and firefighter communities. The family is grateful for the many friends and relatives who supported Rick during his illness. You know who you are.
A private graveside service was held on February 11, 2022.
A Celebration of Rick’s Life for our friends, hosted by Bridget Shumka, will be held in Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 2:00pm.
Old Guys, Old Cars Welcome!
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
19 Responses
Dear Travis and Candice,
Our thoughts and sympathies are with you during this sad and challenging time.
Sincerely,
Sheanne, Erin and Sterling O’Sullivan
Dear Bridget,
We are so saddened to read about Rick’s passing, and you are in our thoughts…
We will remember him with great fondness, and the fun and happy times together with the two of you.
Please accept our deepest condolences, and take good care of yourself.
Hugs
Curt and Elisabeth
Dear Bridget: We were so sad to read Rick’s obituary this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. We always enjoyed Rick’s sense of humour especially when he was selling our house. He made that transaction a most enjoyable experience. This, we know, will be a difficult time for you, Bridget, but rest assured, that our love and support will be with you.
To all Rick’s Family,
My condolences to all Rick’s family. You were a great friend of 60 years, and I will miss your laughter. So glad we had that last visit together in January to laugh and reminisce about old times! Always remember the home made wine and driving the model T sitting on apple boxes!
Bob
Bridget I am sorry to learn of your loss and offer my condolences to you and your family.
Dear Bridget,
I was deeply saddened to read about Rick’s passing. He was quite a “guy” and I can only imagine how much he will be missed. I am so sad for your loss.
Best, Terri
Rick and I joined Saanich at about the same time. Rick to the Fire Dept and me to the Police Dept. As first responders, our rolls took us to many calls together.
Our mutual interests in specialty cars bonded our friendship for many years. I will remember Rick for his professionalism and compassion during his career. Most importantly, I will remember Rick as a man whose friendship had no boundaries. We’ve not talked for months, but the last time we did, it was like it had only been a few days since our last chat.
Rest peacefully Rick.
I’m sorry to hear about Rick, he was a special person. I thank him for being such a great neighbour, babysitter and traveller. Our family has so many great memories of Rick from building a model T in our garage and my many visits watching his Mom cook. There’s nothing Rick wouldn’t have done for our family. It was an honour to have him and Al in our lives. It seems like it took two of them to take care of me.
Rick was a great friend and will be truly missed by many of us who had the great fortune and privilege of calling him Our friend.
Rick was a good friend, and we were on many road trips together, Portland, Red Deere, Atlanta and car shows on the Island. Always there to lend a helping hand. He will be missed by all his family and many friends. Our condolences go out to all the family. He was one of a kind, and brave to the end!!