Richard John Jablecki (Rick)
In the comfort of his home, encircled by his loving family, Rick gently slipped away on Friday, January 26th, 2018.
He was born in Blackshaw Moor, Leek, England, on April 10, 1949. Two years later, his parents Jozef and Zofia Jablecki brought him and his infant sister, Halina across the pond to settle in St. Catharines, Ontario. It was there that Rick met his lifemate, Pauline Wellwood.
Married in Stratford on October 9, 1971, they made their first home in St. Catharines where they welcomed two daughters, Jennifer and Laura. In 1985, they returned to Pauline’s home turf, west of Stratford, just a mile from where she was born and raised.
Living in the idyllic countryside for over three decades afforded Rick the opportunity to pursue his many passions. It was there that he operated his own business, ‘Rick’s Small Engines’. A licensed mechanic, he was the ‘go-to guy’, a master with small engines. He enjoyed fixing, building and inventing things with motors. Even more, he enjoyed the collecting of all the goods to do that, with many a happy hour spent at the local auctions. In that space and place he was also able to engage in his love of animals, welcoming an extensive and unusual variety of critters into their family.
Without a doubt though, it was well known that his greatest pleasure came with the birth of his two grandchildren, Nicholas and Ashlyn. Whether it was building bikes, being their chauffeur or hockey coach, every moment spent with them brought him joy.
He found another passion when he discovered Newfoundland and fell in love with cod fishing and the sea. It became a second home to him where he had a community of many friends who will miss his good nature and charming smile.
Besides motors and motorcycles, collecting and fishing, he loved Abba, Karen Carpenter, CNN, Coldwater Cowboys and feeding people. Perhaps it was his Polish heritage or simply his generous and giving spirit that made him want to ensure that everyone he came into contact with was comfortable and well fed. He took a genuine interest in everyone who crossed his path, and touched people with his caring and compassionate manner of always putting others’ interests or needs before his own.
Known as Richard by his birth family and Rick by his many friends, there was a segment who still called him ‘Jack’, a nickname from his teenage years. Regardless of the name used, he was known as a gentle, good-hearted soul who had great loyalty and integrity. A man blessed with kindness, his off beat sense of humour and quiet presence will be greatly missed.
Keeping his spirit and memory alive are his beloved wife of 46 years, Pauline; loving and devoted daughters, Jennifer and Laura Jablecki (Stratford), cherished grandchildren, Nicholas Davies and Ashlyn Jablecki; sisters, Halina (Brian) Budd, Niagara Falls, Irene (David) Hogan, St. Catharines; sister-in-law, Evelyn (Brian) Scott, Avonbank; nieces and nephews, Rich Budd, Michael (Stephanie) Budd, Melanie Mclean, Kelsey Hogan, Jaime (Nick) Martin, Daniel (Jacalyn) Scott, Ashley (Andy) Agar, Alyssa (Chris) Miesseau, Nicole Wellwood, and 13 great nieces and nephews.
Visitation at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford on Tuesday, January 30, from 4-6 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday at 11 a.m. Cremation will follow. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Childcan through the funeral home. 519.271.7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Rick Jablecki 2018.source
Death notice for the town of: Stratford, Province: Ontario