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Thomas Richard Zuback

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Thomas Richard Zuback
It is with profound sadness that the family of Thomas Richard Zuback announces his passing on July 5, 2020 at his home, surrounded by his family and close friends, and his faithful sidekick, Lenka. Although he will be missed terribly, we will be forever grateful for the memories and his vibrant energy.

Known to everyone as Rick (or Richard, Rich, Rookie and Zubes), he was born on June 27, 1954 to John and Verona Zuback in Fort William, Ontario. He was the third child and eldest son, with two older sisters and two younger brothers.

Rick attended several elementary schools and was attending Westgate High School when he first met his future wife, Sandie, at a memorable school dance on September 17. After graduating, Rick was hired at Great Lakes Paper where he worked for the next 33 years. He spent most of his career as a millwright but was involved in many other areas, including Health & Safety and union representation, which turned out to be a real passion for him. Rick was active in the union for many years, serving as Vice President and President of CEP - Local 39 through several terms. He retired only after a motorcycle accident that left him unable to work.

All throughout his life, Rick thoroughly enjoyed anything to do with sports and motorcycles. He played hockey all through his youth and into his twenties. He was a beast of a player and was notorious for never turning down a fight. He went on to coach his sons in hockey and several other sports, and he also refereed. In 1974, he bought his first motorcycle, a Norton Comando 750. Several motorcycles followed but he was most proud of the Ducati 1098S that he purchased in 2008. On August 16, 2016 Rick suffered a devastating fall that left him as a quadriplegic and forever altered the trajectory of his life. Although he was no longer able to participate in all the adrenaline-inducing sports that he loved so much, he learned to find joy in the simpler things in life, such as watching and critiquing movies, following his favourite team 'The Leafs', having garage dinners and watching his grandchildren grow.

Rick leaves behind his loving wife of 44 years (together for 50 years), Sandie; his sons Nicholas, Jeffrey, Aaron; his daughter-in-law Kimberly; his beloved grandchildren Carter, Brayden, Sydney, Zackary and Mason; sisters Mary Carol Gellert (Jim), Cathryn Brischuk (Al); brothers Greg (Marion) and Rob (Debbie); mother-in-law Winnie Dixon and sister-in-law Carol Peel (Allen), brother-in-law Tom Dixon (Kate) and several nieces and nephews and other relatives. Rick was predeceased by his parents, John and Verona Zuback, and his father-in-law, Tom Dixon.

There will be visitation for the public at Blake Funeral Chapel on Tuesday July 14, 2020 from 7pm-8pm. A funeral will be held on July 15, 2020 however, due to current restrictions, it is unfortunately subject to invite only. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Spinal Cord Injury Ontario, or Autism Ontario or a charity of your choice would be gratefully appreciated. Rick will be greatly missed but never forgotten as he lives on in each of us and in the memories we treasure.

**As directed by the Province of Ontario and the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, the attendance at the funeral/visitation is restricted to 30% capacity or less and a record of attendance must be maintained. Wearing of masks or face coverings by everyone and maintaining social distancing of 6 feet is mandatory for those attending the services.

Rick Zuback will be remembered in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 13, 2021.



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