Obituary of Rick John Sawicki

It is with great sadness that we announce that the world has lost a bright, funny, zany and loving light.  Rick Sawicki, who in the right circumstance also answered to the name of Dad, Uncle Rick, Uncle Ricky, Uncle Mooch, Ryszard, Funcle (fun uncle), Ishoo, Reeeeeeeeeeeee-shu, Sacro, Pooch the Mooch and Dickie Bird passed abruptly on January 16th, 2026, at the unfair age of 65; 21 days after his 65th birthday. 

Cancer reared its ugly head with a surprise stage 4 that had apparently been growing, silently and insidiously (one of Rick’s favourite words) for years.  It happened too fast.  He passed surrounded by loved ones, taking the energy to crack jokes with family and friends who told stories of him in the past, laughing with him and appreciating our memories of him in his final moments.

He suddenly and rather unfairly leaves behind his remarkable, caring and considerate sons Mike and James, his darling wife Maureen, a large extended family, all of whom right now are still reeling from this fresh wound and already miss him very much. They rushed to visit him in the hospital when the flash-flood of illness hit him on Jan 5.

His sisters, Fran (Bill) Doda, Irene (Ed) Koziol and Helen (Ed) Mazur loved and laughed with him their entire lives. His nieces and nephews were Steve, Adam and Derek Doda, Tami Hoogendoorn, Carina Joneit, Jess Koziol, Craig Mazur, Dianne Mitchell, Ania Patino, Josh, Jake and Patrick Philipson, Miriam Rotchill, Kristen Vanderhoeven, including their loving spouses and partners. That crazy, loving boisterous and way too loud bunch included Rick in their young people’s parties and treated him like a cousin instead of an uncle, perhaps due to his inherently lovable craziness at parties - he would dance like it was a national televised competition!

Great nieces and nephews (who were all coerced to agree that he was, indeed a “great” uncle!) were Joey and Charlotte Doda, Chris McFee, Nikky, Dani and Dominic Patino, Julian and Olivia Mazur, Porter and Keaton Vanderhoeven. He had one great, great niece, the adorable Anastasia.

Rick lived life well. His sons viewed him as a role model - knowing him as the hardest working man, who was always willing and enthusiastic to help others. Others remember that he was continuously ready to listen and provide well-prepared thoughts. And for many, his freely used, deep full body laugh will leave a large gap. Because when Rick laughed, it’s as if he laughed with his full body and soul. He would interject his humour into most situations, being ready with a quick joke, comeback or add on. Rick was never embarrassed to laugh the hardest at his own jokes or often be the last one laughing.

At work, Rick was a legend - and expert trouble-shooter. His analytical mind would work the problem until he solved it, even staying up late because he needed to solve the puzzle before he could rest. And when solving the problem with others, movie references and humour would be part of the process. This mind didn’t close him to possibilities because he was never afraid to try new adventures or the weirdest beer on the menu.  

When harsh words, darts and the threat of fisticuffs happened in the office, or at home, Rick would arrive into the fray, bathed in a cloud of calm. He could diffuse any bomb, even his wife clashing with their then teenaged sons.

At home, he was a man who quietly did every job that no one else was doing, loved his family with passion and fortuitous commitment and loyalty. Rick had many sides to him, he was always generous, sometimes quiet, and sometimes completely off-the-wall zany.

Rick was also an athlete. You truly couldn't find a happier man than him, standing on the first tee, the morning dew still on the grass, watching his ball take flight with a solid, satisfying drive straight down the middle. Even on a bad hole, his optimism never wavered. He'd just shrug it off with an infectious grin and a simple declaration: "The next one is the one." In winter, he was also up early, making lunches for his ski family. Rick had everyone out early on the hills – skiing hard all day.   He always pushed himself to improve his skiing and boarding which landed him in some interesting “yard sales” and earned him the name of “crash” in the Fun and Glory ski races that he participated in just last ski season. 

Many friends can testify to the bonding that took place over a good cognac or cold beer with a merry toast of "Nice Driveway!" His ability to listen, to tell stories and to connect with those around him will leave a large hole for so many people.

As many of you know, he was always one to roll with the punches so despite the quickness and severity of the cancer that ended his life he seemed at peace with what was happening, saying that he “lived a good life.” There are things he wished he could still do like go on a trip to Scotland planned with Maureen and two friends or retire with his wife and ski. But, he took the last few weeks stoically in his usual style. In the end he was satisfied with his life, happy with the time he had and most of all grateful to all of his friends, family and colleagues for enriching his life and truly making it a life well lived.

Rick was predeceased by his parents, Emilia and Antoni Sawicki: good solid Polish stock who loved him well and instilled a love of family and community, good food and drink, Christmas pranks, humour and commitment in him. He was also predeceased by his brother, Dan Sawicki and his nephew Christopher Koziol.

Water cremation (or Aquamation, a more environmentally friendly version of cremation) is set to take place.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to causes that were dear to Rick’s heart and personally supporting: 

Option 1. Donate to help our dear Trinity friend get (non-OHIP covered) therapies to recover from an accident. E-transfer Maureen at msawicki04@gmail.com to add it to the money that is sent monthly. This works exactly like a GoFundMe, but without the fees.

Option 2. This GoFundMe for a family we know who are recovering from the effects of victim abuse and need therapy money for the children and parents. Such donations can be made using the Donations tab on Rick's home page or by clicking HERE for direct access.

“Nice Driveway!”

We invite you to join us for a Funeral Service on Tuesday, February 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Church Streetsville (69 Queen St S, Mississauga, ON, L5M 1K4), please click the address for directions. If you are unable to attend in person, a live stream link will be made available and can be accessed by clicking THIS LINK HERE. The live stream will be begin at 10 AM. Virtual guests are reminded to ensure the volume on their device is set to high and that no technical assistance will be available. An open mic will be available for toasts and tributes following the service. In honour of Rick, we invite you to wear any crazy, colourful or Looney Tunes-themed clothing that you would feel comfortable in

We invite you to share a memory, photo or sentiment of Rick's life here on his memorial legacy page.

Uniquely entrusted to eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc.

-Modern Funerals-

Copyright eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc. 2026