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
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