Peacefully at the Sault Area Hospital, with his family by his side on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at the age of 80. True eternal love of wife of Joanie (nee Zack). Loving father of Alexis Vanderheyden (late Joey) and Rick Hnakuik Jr (Desiree).
Proud Papa of Bud (Alicia), John (Ashley), Kathleen, Holly, Brad, Randi, Dylan (Celina), Nick (Jessica), and Maddux. Great Papa of 20 great grandchildren.
Son of the late John and Nellie Hnakuik. Baby brother of the late Freda Candler (Ron) and the late Gordon Hnatiuk (Leona). Uncle Rick to many nieces and nephews. Best friends of Kenny McCreight, Danny Keane, Donnie White, Johnny & Sandra McFerran, Trisha Stachera (Wayne), Frankie Keane, Jimmy Williams, Merle Zack, Garney & Arla Barry and Terry Nolan.
Rick was a Garden River First Nation community member who was instrumental in establishing the current Garden River Fire Department as Senior Captain (Badge #103) along with the late Rick Nolan and Morley Pine and became an instructor who trained firefighters in remote First Nation communities. He retired from the Garden River Public Works Department (only 4 yrs ago) where he was a plow/heavy equipment operator, he was also a skilled logger and Certified Chainsaw Instructor. Rick also managed the largest U-Haul Centre in Canada.
Rick loved co-managing and coaching the Garden River Braves fastball team at the SSM North Street League and the G.R. Valley League and made many lifelong friends and memories.
If you knew him at all you knew he was an expert pool player (min. $5/per lesson) frequenting many local establishments and schooling the locals.
Rick believed in the power of family and mentored many young people in the community and celebrated/acknowledged their successes along with them. He set the bar high for himself and instilled this in others and his kids and grandkids. He did not believe that we were limited in our dreams and aspirations, "You want it? Go get it!".
A Celebration of Rick's Life will be held at the family home on Friday, May 20th, 2022 from 3 pm until 7 pm, Brother-in-law Willard Pine “officiating”. Memorial contributions (payable by cheque) to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street. E. 705-759-2522). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Hnakuik family.