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RICHARD (RICK) ANTHONY SOKOL Obituary pic

RICHARD (RICK) ANTHONY SOKOL

Date of Passing: Dec 20, 2024

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RICHARD (RICK) ANTHONY SOKOL


It is with heavy hearts, that our family announces the passing of our beloved husband and father at 76 years of age, on Friday, December 20th, at Riverview Health Centre.

Rick leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Shirley; daughter, Christy (Kevin), son, Cory (Monica) and his precious grandchildren, Madison, Hayden and Ashtyn Brown. Also mourning his loss are his sister, Linda (Al) Browning, extended family, and many friends.

Rick grew up in Elmwood and attended Lord Selkirk and Elmwood High Schools. He was predeceased by his parents, Tony and Margaret Sokol. From a young age, he had a great interest in all things automotive and was even driving before he turned 16, down the back lane behind his house - until he was caught! That interest never waned and he owned, worked on and restored countless cars over his lifetime. His last, and longest full restoration project was his ‘69 Chevy C10 truck. He was often spotted around the city in his yellow truck and at car shows. He was so happy that his son had similar interests and the two could talk forever on anything car related.

Rick and Shirley (nee Swyston) married on April 5th, 1975 and were just a few months short of celebrating their 50th anniversary. They had a happy, loving, life together and enjoyed travelling to Mexico, Hawaii and taking Caribbean cruises. Many summers were spent camping with family and friends. Becoming a father was so important to Rick and he was a full on dad from changing diapers, to watching hours of dance recitals, coaching soccer and more. Holiday car trips, camping and boating, made for more wonderful family memories. In more recent years, two highlights for Rick were walking Christy down the aisle and being the best man at Cory’s wedding. He was so very proud of his children. Becoming Papa to his three grandkids was the icing on the cake for Rick. Getting to do this all over again with the grandkids brought such joy to him every day, from attending more dance recitals, concerts, birthdays, soccer games and hockey games. (So many hockey games!) Rick loved and was devoted to his family and truly interested in everything they were doing.

After high school, Rick completed an apprenticeship at CN Rail, moved on to work at Drag Mart, then Air Canada, eventually settling into his long term job in automotive parts sales with Allied Signal/Bendix. As was his nature, he was a low key salesman, something his customers came to trust and appreciate. In retirement, Rick had more time to focus on his car hobby and complete his truck and drive his ‘31 Model A around town to connect with his network of ‘car guys’. Always tweaking things on the vehicles, his attention to detail was truly amazing. He loved sharing information with the guys and learning from them as well. Rick took great pride in maintaining his yard and home too.

Thank you to all of you who have been a part of Rick’s life. And thank you to the staff that cared for Rick in the past weeks at HSC Stroke Recovery Unit, HSC H7 and at Riverview Palliative Care.

Rick was the best husband, dad, grandpa, brother and uncle that a family could have. He was a good man, a hard worker, and a loving, caring husband. Rick left us too soon but will be forever in our hearts. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place and no funeral service will be held. A celebration with family and friends may occur at a later date.

If friends so desire, donations in Rick’s memory can be made to Heart and Stroke, Riverview Health Centre or a charity of your choice.

We love you with all our hearts Rick… and we will miss you forever.



Tributes: www.voyagefuneralhomes.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 28, 2024

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

  • Dear Shirley and family, There aren’t words to express your loss. We hope that the beautiful memories you have of Rick will help you through this difficult time. Our love, thought and prayers go out to you. Love Leota and Wayne - Posted by: Leota and Wayne Turner (Co worker) on: Jun 04, 2025

  • Deepest sympathy Shirley, Christy (and Family) and Corey (and family). So sorry to hear of your loss. Rick was such a kind soul and a great neighbor. Marly, Klint, Kerrie, Brad, Abel and Dorothy Betteridge - Posted by: Dorothy Betteridge (Old friend from Knowles) on: Jan 28, 2025

  • Our thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Shirley, Christy, Corey and families. We were saddened to hear of Rick's passing. I will always remember the many Falcon Lake camping visits as young kids, biking over to Beach campground to see if the Sokols were out yet. I would run into Rick several times in early adulthood while i was driving for Napa auto parts while in college, he was always such a kind, genuine person. He will be missed by many! Take care of each other. The Adamchuks. - Posted by: Jordan Adamchuk (Cousin) on: Jan 03, 2025

  • So deeply saddened to hear of Rick’s untimely passing. It was just a couple of months ago that Rick gave me a garage tour of his incredible hot rod truck. He called to come over for a garage tour of my projects but I could never co-ordinate a time as I was always busy. Wish I had made the time. The world has lost a true kind and caring gentleman. God speed Rick - Posted by: Larry Kiziak (Friend) on: Dec 31, 2024

  • Shirley, Christy, Corey, Linda and families. Sending our love, prayers and sincerest condolences for the loss of a husband, father, grandfather and brother. We were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Rick's untimely passing. He will always be thought of as a quiet, honest and hardworking gentleman. Gary, Carol and family. - Posted by: Gary and Carol Swyston (Family) on: Dec 30, 2024

  • We were very saddened to hear of Rick's passing. Too young to be leaving. We did not get as many visits in over the years as we would have liked to, however those that we did were an absolute pleasure. A quick wit and great sense of humor. Condolences to all. Jim and Eileen Manifold Peachland, B.C. - Posted by: Eileen Manifold (Friend) on: Dec 29, 2024

  • Dear Shirley we were very sorry to hear of Rick’s passing, it was a shock to all of us. He was a sweet and gentle soul and will be missed. Christmas dinner at the Formans will never be the same. Take care of each other and hope you are doing ok. - Posted by: Janice and Bob Sterner (Friends) on: Dec 28, 2024

  • I’m so sorry to hear about Rick’s passing. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time. - Posted by: Marian Alexander (Friend) on: Dec 28, 2024

  • Dear Shirley and family, I was saddened to hear of Rick's passing from my brother, Bob Sterner. I know Rick has joined the eternal car club in Heaven where many members are there to welcome him. Christmas get togethers at the Forman's with you and Rick and Bob and Janice are special memories of happy times. May you find comfort in the special times and memories you shared with your family and friends. Sincerely, Marlene Thompson. - Posted by: Marlene Thompson (Friend) on: Dec 28, 2024

  • I knew Rick and Shirley best from our block parties. Always saw him proudly driving his truck. I am so Sorry to hear of your great loss. The bay is always Changing and he will be missed. - Posted by: Judi conover (Neighbour ) on: Dec 28, 2024

  • It was a total shock to hear of Rick’s passing. I knew Rick for over 50 years. He was always one of the kindest and caring friends. He will be sorely missed by all the people in the automotive community. God bless you, Rick. - Posted by: David Malby (Long time friend) on: Dec 28, 2024

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Voyage Funeral Home

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