Obituary of Dick Tymchyshen

Tymchyshen, Dick On Saturday, March 23, 2013 Dick Tymchyshen passed away peacefully at home as the sun rose over the Niagara River. Fran and Katie were by his side. Dick was in his 65th year and was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer a few months prior. Dick was born in Winnipeg and raised in Port Arthur and Atikokan before attending the University of Western Ontario in London. He graduated from Ivey School of Business in 1971, married Fran (nee Cohoe) and moved to Etobicoke where they raised their family. Dick worked several years as a Purchasing Agent with Goodyear Tire and then for 25 years with Canadian Gypsum Corporation as National Purchasing Manager. A downsize at CGC at the age of 51 evolved into a blessing as Dick became a collector and dealer in all things interesting. Cruising the thrift stores, garage and estate sales allowed him to gather sports memorabilia, furniture, vinyl records, vintage audio, lamps, art, books, CDs, photographs, fishing paraphernalia etc., etc. The kids renamed him "Hector" (the Collector). Side trips to LCBO Vintages and Niagara wineries supported a well-rounded wine cellar. With Fran at work and Dick a 'stay-at-home’, he expressed his artistic and creative side as chef extraordinaire and unique home decorator. In his spare time he kept up with laundry and occasional vacuuming but proudly maintained that he never cleaned a toilet in his life. In 2005, Fran and Dick bought a home in Fort Erie which Dick enthusiastically prepared for Fran’s retirement from Toronto in 2009. Golf, gardening and exploring Niagara and Buffalo became their mainstays of life and they shared a daily mantra for the blessing of "living the life we love and loving the life we live". Dick read constantly, cherished the feel of a hardcover novel and the turning of a page. An introvert by nature, he loved sports and music and harboured a surprising knowledge and large collection of both. Always a "lefty" he played hockey, baseball, golf, squash, and bocce ball along with the challenge of fly-fishing. A member of Bridgewater Country Club, Dick clocked over 140 rounds of golf in the 2012 season before illness abruptly halted his lifestyle. Dick is survived by his best buddy and wife Fran and by their beloved daughter Katie (Jim Sullivan), Moncton. Predeceased in 2009 by son Greg (Jen Wood) and parents, Joe and Nellie Tymchyshen. Left to mourn are his sister Pat (Don) Clark, Duncan, BC and brother Allen (Shery) Thunder Bay, ON , his brother-in-law Al Cohoe (Rose) of Ottawa, many cousins, cousins-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Sadly missed by his hockey, golf and audiophile comrades. So many friends in Fort Erie, Toronto and beyond have helped us in so many ways through this trying time. We are grateful to Doug and Judy Leonard for their daily care and delivery of home cooked meals. Special thanks to all CCAC staff, but especially to PARAMED nurses Elizabeth and Marlene and to Dr. Kim Scher of Douglas Memorial Hospital for their attentive care and compassion on the last mile. Benner Funeral Services, 1105 Benner Ave, Fort Erie are entrusted with arrangements. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, March 26,2013 from 6-8 pm. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11 am on Wednesday until the time of a service at 12 noon to celebrate his life. Reception to follow at Bridgewater Country Club, 700 Gilmore Road, Fort Erie. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick's name are appreciated in support of Douglas Memorial Hospital Foundation, Palliative Care, 230 Bertie Street, Fort Erie, ON, L2A 1Z2.