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RICHARD CHILDS Obituary
Richard Edward Childs passed away on June 10, 2024 at 86 years years of age and Christa Maria Gratzki (nee Gerds) passed away on June 11, 2024 at 85 years of age, after several years of ill health @ St. Joseph's Hospital,with their families by their side. Rick was born a Westfort boy, and lived most of his childhood on E. Christina St. School wasn't something he was overly fond of, and completed his formal education on the morning of his 16th birthday. He joined the rest of the Childs family, as a plasterer - and was a master craftsman, taking great pride in a job done to perfection. One of his favorite sayings was "I'll be an hour early, before I'll be a minute late." He enjoyed golf with the group for many years, until mobility was an issue. Then he very much enjoyed playing snooker with his sons and grandsons at the Elks, enjoying a 'beverage' or two afterwards for the last 9 years. Rick is survived by sons Rick Childs (Judi), Dave Childs (Etsie), daughters Cathy Sawicki and Jennifer Childs, 11 grandkids, 6 great grandkids, sisters Marilyn Munro, and Janice Gemmell. Christa was born in Berlin Germany and was predeceased by her brother Peter, her parents Maria & Paul Gerds and her daughter Deborah McCoy. Christa came to Canada in 1959, leaving wartorn Europe. She loved her new country and found many friends. Christa worked for a number of years at Ricki's Ladies Wear winning awards for her professionalism. At age 40 she met and fell in love with Rick Childs and they spent the last 45 years together. Rick and Christa both enjoyed their league bowling, but especially summer's at their trailer at Lac Des Milles Lac, and fishing were happy times for Rick and Chris. She became an expert at filleting pickerel, not a bone to be found. Both were very sad when it was no longer possible for them to manage. Weekly trips to Casinos in both the US, and Thunder Bay filled the void. Christa and Rick traveled together to Germany where she introduced him to German beer. They had a great life together. They both succumbed to their illnesses, 1 day apart. Left to mourn the loss of a mother, grandmother and great grandmother her son Gregory Gratzki, her grandchildren and great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
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Memories and Condolences
for RICHARD CHILDS
13 Entries
Kathy and John McKee
July 1, 2024
Much love and our heartfelt condolences from John and Kathy McKee
Linda Sawchuk
June 29, 2024
So sad to see this obituary. I knew Rick and Chris several years ago before leaving T.Bay for Sudbury. Enjoyed working with Chris at Ricki´s back in the day. Sincere condolences to both families. How fitting they should pass within one day of each other.
RIP - Linda Sawchuk
Christine Vucko
June 26, 2024
My deepest condolences I met Rick and Krista through Greg and I'm so glad I did years of knowing them and spending lots of Christmases New years lots of camping trips together those memories I will cherish forever I am so saddened to hear the loss a day apart from one another that's what you call true love my thoughts and prayers are with you all God bless
Colleen Stadey
June 25, 2024
What a terribly sad shock to realize both Rick and Christa have left us, but the greatest news is that they are still together at some over pickerel populated late in the heavens, reunited with Deb ~ their joy must be over the moon up there xox
I've been friends since the first day I met Christa over 40 years ago and Rick was a good friend of my father, becoming a friend of mine as well thru' Christa. They will both be dearly missed by so many. My sincerest sympathy to all and a very special hug, lots of love to Greg Gratzki, this can't be an easy time, if there ever was, to lose them both so quickly at one time, you are in my thoughts and prayers xox stay strong Greg xox they'll be watching over you from above :)
David Vaccher
June 23, 2024
Our condolences
Worked with Rick for several years at St. Joe´s until his retirement, such a great guy, lots of laughs. He sure loved his fishing, and we had the chance of visiting both of them out at Lac, great times back then.
Peggy and John
June 23, 2024
Miss our neighbors,sitting outdoors or watching a game show together. We will always remember them. Peggy and John
Blaine & Brook Kell
June 23, 2024
To Dave, Rick and families,
Thinking of you at this very sad time. Our sincere sympathy for your loss.
Dixie
June 23, 2024
Deepest condolences from family of Bob Siciliano
The road trip to Florida is a happy memory we all shared!!
Hugs, Dixie
David Simkanin
June 23, 2024
My deepest condolences on your loss. Please know that you and your family will be in my prayers.
Ruth Kruppa
June 22, 2024
My most sincere condolences to your families, from myself and family of Ed Kruppa. They were all such close friends with lots of "fine" memories !
Carla (Warder) Kowalchuk
June 22, 2024
Janice & Marilyn: How sad when I read this obit. I - for some reason never realized there was a brother that was lucky enough to have two beautiful sisters. How ironic that he & his wife passed one day apart. I often think of you Janice & wonder how you are and Marilyn, every 100 years (giggle) I bump into her. Please know I am saddened that you lost your brother, too young (the older we get, we are still young, right?) Again, to both sisters, I am sending condolences - so sad. Carla (Warder) Kowalchuk
Larry and Pat Hodgkinson
June 22, 2024
Rick and Family,
Sorry for your loss.
Larry Hebert
June 22, 2024
Knew Rick and first wife Marleen when they lived on Harkness St across the lane from us. All of the kids have turned out to be great people with their own families. Used to see Rick on Twilight nights at Chapples. Did not know his second wife but clear that they had a great relationship when they die within a day of each other. Condolences to the Child´s family.
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