Karl Chezick

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Karl at TBRHSC on Friday September 7th, 2018 at the age of 34.

Karl attended Black Bay Road School, Claude E. Garton Elementary School, and finally Hillcrest High School. Following high school Karl worked for several local businesses. You may have encountered him at Beaver Lumber, behind the desk at AMCO, or he may have schooled you on the advantages of dealing with a locally owned and operated business while selling you a lawn mower or snow blower at Northern Turf Equipment.

Karl will be remembered most for his sense of humour, his kind heart, and his generosity. Karl never hesitated to help anyone at any time. Karl loved animals. He had several pets over the years, but was very fond of dogs, especially his dog Rocky. For many years he was a member of the 15th Port Arthur scouting group and for a while he studied Isshinryu Karate with Dinah Jung at Current River Community Center. He also loved football which he played during high school. Among many interests and hobbies over the years he enjoyed the great outdoors and all it had to offer, including camping, and fishing, but especially mountain biking. On a regular basis (rain or shine) Karl would select one of his several bikes that he had purchased over the years, and bike along the trails at Centennial and Trowbridge parks with his dog Rocky. On their return it was quite often difficult to decide who was dirtier, Karl or Rocky. His favourite place was at Grandma and Grandpa’s camp on One Island Lake, as well as Auntie Gail’s camp (The Family Affair) at West Oliver Lake. Finally, Karl enjoyed getting together with family members to play all sorts of games, Scrabble being one of his favorites. With very few exceptions, the family would get together on Sundays for a good meal, lively conversation, and most often games being played at the kitchen table before and or after dinner.

But, for Karl, life was not all fun and games. For the last 18 years, Karl had struggled an uphill battle of bipolar disorder and addiction. Karl fought that battle to the best of his abilities with the support from many people along the way. Unfortunately, he was unsuccessful and he was taken from us far too soon. At this time we would like to express our sincere thanks to the many medical and social work professionals as well as members of the Thunder Bay Police Services, Thunder Bay Fire Services and the Thunder Bay EMS who encountered Karl along his journey through life.

Karl will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his parents Shirley and Greg, brothers Evan (Michelle), Graham (Kim), grandmothers Ruth Chezick and Shirley Hacquoil, along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Predeceased by his grandfathers Edward Chezick and Paul Hacquoil and his two aunts Kathie Chezick and Paula Courtney, and his dog Rocky.

         A private family ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Sunset Memorial Gardens presided by Pastor Matthew Diegel. 

Should friends and family so desire, donations may be made in care of the TBRHSC Foundation directed either to the Adult Mental Health Unit or the Assertive Community Treatment program.