RICHARD ALEXANDER WOJCIK
It is with profound sadness that the family of Richard “Rich” Wojcik announces his passing after heroically battling a brief illness at the age of 49 years. Richard slipped away peacefully on March 8, 2018. He left a huge hole in the hearts of many including his mother Jolanta, his sister Ava, his brother-in-law Anthony and his extended family and friends. Richard was preceded in death by his father John, stepfather, Robert; grandmothers, Janina and Janina; grandfathers, Stanislaw and Alexander; uncle, Andrew; and dog, Boo.
Rich served as Commissioner of Mississauga’s BorderTown Slo Pitch Association. His years as Chief, up to 2017, ushered in what is known as the Era of Good Feelings. He didn’t like to be the centre of attention and he worked selflessly, tirelessly and quietly. He helped not for popularity or self-promotion; he just truly loved the league, helping its people and making a difference in their lives.
An honourable, noble, proud and gracious man he was. Likewise, a force of nature, Rich was feisty, excitable, sarcastic, and witty on command who always had the right tee-shirt and the right thing to say (even if it was wildly inappropriate!). He had a passion for all sports whose expertise of stats, any team or player was unparalleled. He idolized Darryl Sittler (on and off the ice). Darryl’s number 27 remained a constant throughout every aspect of his entire life. He was a fountain of knowledge and wisdom when it came to film, music and trivia, he was also well travelled, incredibly intelligent and well read, he did not suffer fools gladly but a kinder, more caring person could not be found (one who would give you the shirt off his back, without you having to ask).
Special thanks to Dr. Mark Rother and Dr. Manisha Sharma together with the Nurses at Credit Valley Hospital’s Oncology/Palliative Care Unit.
Those of us who called him son, brother and Richie will miss him desperately. Richard is loved more than words can express and we will always hold him so dear. We can all be thankful that we had him in our lives and continue to remember him as the best son, best brother, best brother-in-law and great guy that he truly was. Rich left an indelible impression upon all he met and we are all better for having known him.
Whereas there are no words to describe our grief and loss, it has been said, those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen and unheard perhaps, but always near. We lost an angel here on earth when we lost our Richard.
If you feel so inclined, Richard would have appreciated donations to the Mississauga Humane Society, a registered charity (Charity Reg # 89912 7526 RR0001) dedicated to the rescue of homeless companion animals in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements entrusted to THE SIMPLE ALTERNATIVE – Mississauga, 1535 South Gateway Road Mississauga, ON L4W 5J1. Tel: 905-602-1580. We request you bring your thoughts, prayers and fondest memories of Rich. A Celebration of Life shall be held, Saturday, March 17th, 2018 at 11:00 am.