Roy Tichkowsky

After a short, sudden, and severe illness, Roy Tichkowsky died quietly in his sleep with his son, Ian, at his bedside at the Misericordia Hospital on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Roy was a uniquely warm and eccentric man who touched many lives. His family and friends are gutted at losing him, while also grateful that he is free from the steady decline and ever worsening dementia that began several years ago.

Roy was predeceased by his parents Peter and Victoria (Gabinet); his sister-in-law, Betty; and his brothers-in-law Doug Blatt, Bill Sawchuk. He leaves behind his spouse Marilyn (Nelson); his children Kyla and Ian; his daughter-in-law Keltie; his adored grandchildren Kalyna and Norah; and his little buddies, Misiu and Remy. He also leaves behind his siblings, Sonia Pullishy (Roger), Ken, Merlene Sparks, and Wayne (June); his siblings-in-law, Karen Sawchuk (Dan), Carl Nelson (Del), Fran Blatt (Albert), and Mel Nelson (Mary); and many nieces and nephews.

Roy had many fond memories of growing up on the family farm near Star and delighted in the strong and vibrant community of grandparents, aunts, uncles, dozens of cousins, & neighbours that surrounded him there. He remained forever proud of and nostalgic for the many sports he played competitively and recreationally in and around Lamont.

In 1965 Roy moved to Edmonton where he began his career. Roy’s physical strength, his caring and friendly nature, his integrity, and his great big heart made him an excellent firefighter. He treasured his friends in the department and often said this job ‘gave him the opportunity for a great life’.

He began a family of his own when he and Marilyn got married in 1970. He made a singular first impression on Marilyn’s family when he met them at a bush party the year before, and became a cherished member of his second family. Over a very busy and productive period from 1974-1978, Roy & Marilyn designed and built their family home and made two babies: Kyla and Ian. Roy was a tender, devoted, and attentive dad, brimming with unconditional love for his family. He was also a proud and lively uncle to many beloved nieces and nephews. His love somehow grew even greater when he became a grandfather to Kalyna and Norah in the 2010’s.

In 1971 he followed his brother Ken in joining Wabamun Sailing Club, where he became part of another vibrant community. Alongside a variety of like-minded and passionate sailors, Roy raced Fireballs every summer weekend for decades with his sailing wife, Kate Russell. Here again he made dear friends who are still in his life today. One of his mysterious final mutterings in hospital was the phrase “Wabamun Sailing Club”.

Through his life Roy traveled to Asia, North Africa, South America, Europe, and across Turtle Island. He read an eclectic range of books, took classes as an adult, and just generally engaged actively with life. He built boats (five or six Fireballs, an Optimist dinghy for his young children, and four kayaks for his immediate family). He spent countless hours tinkering on his Fireball through winters in his heated garage. He loved airplanes and, in another life, would have been a pilot. He curled until 2022.

Roy certainly had a silly side and often a twinkle in his eye. He couldn’t resist talking to children or petting dogs.

Above all, Roy was a gentle and kind man. He remains loved beyond measure.

Roy’s Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, January 24 at 1pm at the Star-Peno Church Hall in Lamont County - all are welcome! Location: 564080a Range Rd 193, Star, Alberta, T0B 2R0.

Preceding the Celebration of Life will be a Liturgy in the church (11:00-12:30) & Roy’s Interment (12:30) in the adjoining cemetery