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
Bridget I just found out yesterday from Harvey Sherman of Ricks passing. I am so sorry for your loss.
Thoughts & prayers are with you
Bridget,
Just learned of your loss and offer my condolences to you and your family
I am so sorry to hear of your loss Bridget. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Rick was an incredible guy and showed our family so much kindness, as did you. You both made our home buying / selling experience so much fun.
Sending you love and strength. ❤️
Rick was a good friend of my father’s (Bill Kendall). I remember spending many hours at Rick’s home, car events and our family home. The two of them would always be working on cars or talking about cars. I ran into Rick over the years and always enjoyed our visit. There were lots of laughs. Condolences to Rick’s family. May he RIP
Dear Bridget, Mike & I were so sorry to read of Rick’s passing.
Mike just mentioned Rick the other day wondering how the two of you were.
Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Mike & Jen Lock
My deepest condolences on the loss of Rick. May forever memories comfort and sending prayers to you Bridget in these difficult days.
My family was very sad to see Rick’s obituary in the paper. He worked with my dad at Saanich and was certainly a favourite of dad’s for his sense of humour, hard work and integrity. Sorry to see it was another firefighting related cancer, too many have passed too soon as did dad. Later on Rick would bring his daughter’s car in to our business for repairs and it was very special to talk to him, share jokes and reminisce about the fire department. Our condolences to the whole family on the passing of this very special man.
A proud member of the Saanich Fire Department, Rick was a highly respected officer and friend.
A people person, he had this natural curiosity to seek out new challenges and a zest for living each day to the fullest. He is fondly remembered.
My condolences to all in his family.
Gordon and Sarah Alberg…..Bridget I am so sorry for your loss with Ricks passing. The days will be long for you going forward but they do get better. Rick and I knew each other all our lives and was a great friend even when we did not see each other on occasions over the years. The last 6 or 8 years we spent a lot of quality time together. God Bless You and may his memories be a blessing to you. Our thoughts are with you.