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
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Daryl Clegg
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Peggy Lamb Bridget,
Just learned of your loss and offer my condolences to you and your family
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Julianne Rangel-Johnston 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. ❤️
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Charlene Kendall Burles 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
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Jennifer Lock 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
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Father William My deepest condolences on the loss of Rick. May forever memories comfort and sending prayers to you Bridget in these difficult days.
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Liane Ashmore Gustafson 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.
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Ron Cullis 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.
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Gordon Alberg 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.
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Katherine S O'Sullivan Dear Travis and Candice,
Our thoughts and sympathies are with you during this sad and challenging time.
Sincerely,
Sheanne, Erin and Sterling O’Sullivan
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Curt & Elisabeth 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
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Seona and John Stephen 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.
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Bob Rivers 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
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Keith Vickers Bridget I am sorry to learn of your loss and offer my condolences to you and your family.
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Terri Foster 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
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Rick Gonder 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.
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Lori 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.
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Frank Ewer 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.
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Larry & Donna Jeannotte 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!!
Bridget I just found out yesterday from Harvey Sherman of Ricks passing. I am so sorry for your loss.
Thoughts & prayers are with you