Chuck Fairhart (R.I.P.)

 Charles Fairhart (Chuck) Obituary

Edmonton, Alberta - It is with profound sadness that the siblings of Charles (Chuck) Fairhart announce his passing on April 14, 2025, after a battle with MSA - Multiple Systems Atrophy. He faced his challenges with grace and dignity, and always with the sense of humour he was known for. His many wonderful friends in Edmonton did much to make the last couple of years of his life as easy as possible and for this, his family will be forever grateful.

Born in Oshawa, Ontario, Charles moved west to Edmonton, Alberta in the early 80's eventually settling on a lengthy career with Canada Post. As a "Postie" Charles got to know many of the customers on his various routes and was considered a friend by many. He was able to get through his career with only one dog bite to his butt and we can only assume the dog suffered more than Chuck did.

He had a life-long love affair with butter tarts and always made a point of telling everyone at a family celebration that he had licked each and every one so as to have them all to himself. His sisters made a point of ensuring he had a regular supply at family gatherings over the years. The licking joke continued.

Charles was a fun loving, kind and caring man whose sense of humour made those around him laugh, even at the most inopportune times. While caring for his elderly father, first in the family home back in Oshawa and then at Hillsdale Manor, Chuck became a regular fixture at Hillsdale especially on Pub Day. Occasionally staff and residents mistook him for his dad.

He will always be remembered by Barry, Dean, Susan, Jim and Jeff in Edmonton, and Lorraine, Karen, Chris, and Jim in Oshawa.

Charles is survived by sister, Patti (Peter) of Cochrane, AB; brother, Mike (Linda) of Invermere, BC; sister, Mary (Don) of Banff, AB; sister, Jane (Dave) of Invermere, BC; nieces, Jessica (Ian), Lindsey (Josh), Lauren (Adam), Sarah (Luke); nephews, Brent (Candice), Jamie, Patrick (Kelley), Mack (Jasmine); great-nieces, Nora, Jayla, Aria, Brea, Kyla, Evelyn, and Charlotte; great-nephews, Milo, Gabriel, Alex and Bennett; along with several cousins and other dear relatives.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Marion Fairhart; his infant sister, Sheila; and his cat BJ.

If you are so inclined, please consider raising a butter tart in Charles' memory and/or making a donation to: Defeat MSA Canada or the Alzheimer Society of Canada or the CNIB.

in pace requiescat

Richard Edward Krechowicz (R.I.P.)

 Richard KRECHOWICZ (Rich) Obituary

Ottawa, Ontario - Richard Edward Krechowicz passed away peacefully on December 6, at age 72 due to an acute illness compounded by his genetic kidney disease. Loving husband of Lynda; father of Dana, Jill (Jack), and Reg (Steve); and dear Dziadzia (grandpa) to Colin, Mark, Nora, and Simon.

Born and raised in Oshawa, Rich was the oldest of six children born to Polish immigrants, Stefan and Janina. Cherished brother of Ted (the late Sue Hogan), Kazimir, the late Lydia, Eva and Alice (Steve); and brother-in-law to the late Janice and George Chamberlain, and Gail (the late Roger Cotter). He was a beloved uncle of Alex (Laura) Krechowicz, Mike (Lisa), David (Karen), Brian (Donna) Chamberlain, and the late Sally (Rick) Hunt, and Kerry, Andrew, the late Sandra, and Laurie Cotter. He will also be remembered by his extended Misztal and Przysiezniak relatives and friends including the Parent Group.

After studying political science at Western University, Rich started his career as a butcher, taking over the successful Polish deli founded by his father. Even decades after the business was sold, the name "Krechowicz" was legendary within the Polish community for its special kielbasa. At Western Rich met his future wife, Lynda (nee Locking) with whom he would have celebrated 50 years of marriage in August 2026.

Before it was mainstream, Rich refocused his career towards his passion for environmentalism, eventually founding a business in the early '90s focused on commercial and residential energy efficiency. Rich, a lifelong people person and hard worker, was a talented salesman and loved helping people save money on their energy bills. He held strong convictions, was keenly interested in current affairs and politics, and religiously read the newspaper for many years.

As a father, he sought to pass his values and heritage onto his daughters, taking them to Poland by himself to introduce them to their extended family and roots as their first major trip abroad. His eldest daughter, Dana, entered the field of sustainability as a testament to his influence.

Rich never lost his sense of humour despite his numerous health challenges over many years. His love language was food, and he lived for cooking and baking for family and friends, especially his grandchildren. He demonstrated incredible resilience, continuing to cook and bake daily despite losing his dominant hand to cancer in 2022.

Rich received outstanding medical care in Ottawa. The family wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Home Dialysis unit at the Riverside Hospital as well as the medical and nursing staff at Ottawa General Hospital for their professionalism and care shown to Richard and his family.

Family and Friends may pay their respects at the Kelly Funeral Home - Walkley Chapel (1255 Walkley Road. Ottawa, ON) on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 7 to 9 p.m. and again on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 1 to 3 p.m. A Memorial Service will follow at 3 p.m.

On Rich's birthday on April 26, 2026, the family will also gather at the Red Room at the General Sikorski Polish Veteran's Hall to honour his legacy in Oshawa.

in pace requiescat

Ruth Anne Nicholls. R.I.P.

 

Miss Nicholls was my English teacher for several years in a row at OCHS. She was a profile in grace and courage.

Obituary of Ruth Anne Nicholls

November 24, 1946 - May 24, 2025

Be welcomed gently into the hands of God. 

Ruth Anne Nicholls, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, colleague, teacher and friend passed away peacefully at the age of 78. Ruth was born in Oshawa, the eldest child of the late Allan and Elizabeth ( Normoyle) Nicholls. Ruth was predeceased by her treasured brother John and her much-loved nephew Andrew. She will be missed by her loving sister Nancy; caring sister-in-law Margaret; cherished niece Alison, her husband Ian Dunn and their children Abigail and Henry; special niece-in-law Heather; her dear companion on this journey, Anne, and the Brady, Normoyle and Nicholls families. 

Faith, family, and friends were the cornerstones of Ruth's life. She was God's devoted servant as she lived and modelled her faith in everything she did. Miss Nicholls will long be remembered by staff and students at Oshawa Catholic High school (Paul Dwyer) and Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School. Her teaching style reflected the values instilled in her by her parents as she participated fully in her community. Beyond teaching, Ruth's greatest joy was family, sharing enthusiastically in their accomplishments as their numbers grew. In addition, Ruth was so very grateful for the many friends that she had, and it was important to her to always maintain these relationships. 

Missing her is a given. Remembering her with love, respect and admiration is a privilege. May her memory be a blessing. 

Donations may be made to Covenant House Toronto, or a charity of your choice.