Richard (Dick) Skirten, who was born Aug. 7, 1943 in Fort Frances, Ont., away peacefully on Sunday, June 18, 2006 with family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer.
Dick began his working career here at Safeway and later transferred to Kenora, where he met and married his wife of 33 years, Nadine (Deanie) Korluk, on June 26, 1965.
He later moved to Winnipeg, Man., where he spent a brief time working for the union.
In 1969, he started his firefighting career in Thompson, Man. and became their second full-time fireman. He later was instrumental in organizing their union.
His love of firefighting led him to a new opportunity and in March, 1982, he began a position with Suncor in Fort McMurray, Alta. and became an industrial firefighter supervisor.
He retired in 1999 and moved to McAuley, Man.
One of Richard’s favourite pastimes was spending time on his quad exploring the countryside. He also enjoyed working in his garden along with the canning in the fall, and sifting through his recipe book for something exciting to try.
Richard wrote in his journal, “I refuse to be bitter or negative,” and he became such an inspiration to all of us.
Dick was a “people person” always willing to share his time when someone needed a hand. His sharp wit and sense of humour will be greatly missed by everyone.
Dick’s memory will be cherished by daughters, Sharon (Terry) Didluck of Thompson, Man. and Bonnie Gregoire of Brandon, Man.; and his grandsons, Travis Didluck and Chase Gregoire of Thompson, Man.
Also left to mourn is his mother, Irene; brothers, Sheldon (Sue) of Pensacola, Fla., Ray (Linda), Wayne (Shirley), Roger (Kathy), and Sandy (Carolyn) of Fort Frances, Ont.; and sisters, Sheila (Don) Anness of Emo, Ont., Bev (Larry) Angus and Linda (Dave) Chepil of Fort Frances, Ont., and Ruby (Jack) Johnson of Minneapolis, Mn.
He was predeceased by his wife, Nadine (Deanie) in Fort McMurray, Alta. on Aug. 23, 1998; and by his father, Arthur, in Fort Frances, Ont. on May 9, 1989.
A memorial service was held Thursday, June 22, 2006 at 2 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion in Thompson.
As expressions of sympathy, the family respectfully requests memorials to the Palliative Care Unit of the Thompson General Hospital, 867 Thompson Dr. S., Thompson, Man., R8N 1Z4.
His Journey’s Just Begun
Don’t think of him
as gone away-
His journey’s just begun,
Life holds so many facets –
This Earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
From the sorrows and the tears
In a place of warmth
and comfort
Where there are
no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
That we could know today
How nothing but our sadness
Can really pass away.
And think of him as living
In the hearts of those he touched…
For nothing loved is ever lost –
And he was loved so much.
E. Brenneman
Always remembered and will be sadly missed by family and friends. We love you, Richard.
