Richard Anthony Skrzypkowski
Toronto- Richard Anthony Skrzypkowski 59, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 1, 2020 at the Toronto Grace Hospital after a brief battle with cancer.
He leaves behind his adored son Cody; mother Irene, brother Ted (Annette), sisters Krisha (Russell) and Diane; nieces and nephews Laurie, Scott, Ryan, Nicole, Starr, River and Marinna. He shared an unconditional love and appreciation for his family and was always the first to share a smile while in their presence.
The loving son of Frank and Irene, Richard was born and raised in Toronto and he later moved to Ottawa in 1991 after the birth of his only child.
In his early years Richard worked in the travel industry in Toronto. After moving to Ottawa, he was an instructor of Travel and Tourism at Heritage College where he changed the lives of his many students. In 2004, he switched careers and joined the Department of National Defense where he spent the next 15+ years. On top of his family, Richard leaves behind an endless amount of valued relationships with colleagues turned best friends. His contagious humor, selflessness and work ethic will be missed dearly.
Richard loved his friends, watching and playing all sports, the outdoors, cooking, great company and storytelling.
Above all else, Richard had a passion for all things Cody. They were not only father and son but best friends. They shared their love for cars, music, good food and an ice-cold beer (or two). He was unapologetically proud of his son and was not shy in talking about his accomplishments to anyone who would listen.
Offer Condolence for the family of Richard Anthony Skrzypkowski
Robyn larcombe
Sorry for the loss of such a great man, so full of kindness and humour. Taken too soon.
Robyn
Marion Grebler Birkenhead
Blessed to have called Richard a friend for years. Will miss him and his wicked sense of humour. Thankful always for our time. ❤️ Love to Jody and Cody always
Josée Scott
My deepest sympathies to all the friends and family. Richard was an amazing person and I am so glad I got to work with him and get to him him more. He is truly missed at work. He will forever hold a special place in my heart. Rest in peace my dear friend. Xxx
Mary Ellen Cyr
When I think of Richard, I remember his gentle kindness, quick wit and sincerity…so sorry for your loss Cody and Jody….love to all…Mary Ellen and Jeff
Lori McIntosh(Peters)
Our hearts are sorry to hear of your loss. Cody
Lori McIntosh (Peters). And family
Susan Wright
I want to express my sincere heartfelt sympathy for you Dianne and your family. I’m very sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. He will always be by your side. With much love Susan
Marco Theriault
It is with great sadness that I learned that my friend Rick passed away. Rick left a gaping hole in our offices and the atmosphere has changed since he left us. Rick was an incredible person and he loved making jokes, he had his own way of removing stress in the office.
I’m going miss our lunches that we had together to talk about nothing and everything and especially by eating wings with a couple of beers.
Go in peace Rick, I love you
Michel Goudreault
I will be forever grateful to you Cody for sharing the time spent with your father to us in these last difficult months. May the beautiful memories of your father bring peace and comfort. I will miss his humor and laughter during our years we have worked together. He will never be forgotten in my heart.
Cheryl Dugmore
I am so sorry for your loss. Richard has left a hole in all the hearts he touched. I’ve known Richard since 2007. He was such a joy and I looked forward to joking with him daily at the office. I am a better person for knowing him.
Cheryl Dugmore, DND
Andrea Szucs
My deepest condolences to Cody, Jody and the whole family! There is not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. I miss his jokes, his smile and I miss having conversations with him about everything and anything, but mostly about his adored Cody.
Our Ottawa work family lost a beloved, groovy family member. Richard will live in my heart forever.♥
Annie Perry
My most sincere condolences to the Skrzypkowski family. Richard changed many lives, including mine, with his contagious smiles and happiness. He will always be in my thoughts and I am thankful to have crossed his life’s path.
Ivor Pontiroli
I had known Richard since he joined DND in 2004. It was always a pleasure chatting with him. He was witty and funny, and always professional. I have never heard him say anything negative about anyone. I always bumped into him at the McDonalds in Greenboro where we used to chat about Soccer. He was seldom in a bad mood. Even when I saw him last time at St. Vincent, he was desperately trying to crack a few jokes.
Richard passed away too soon, and I will miss him.
Darlene Joyce
I was so very fortunate to have met Rick. He was a cheerful and bright light at work and will be missed tremendously.
May you find comfort in your loving memories.
Always in our hearts! xx
Michelle Labrie
To you who have been in his life my family is sending love, hope and support for a far.
For us he will be remembered has the candy man for my two little girls.
Love
Darlene Joyce
I was so very fortunate to have met Rick. He was a cheerful and bright light in the workplace and will be missed tremendously. May you find comfort in your loving memories.
Always in our hearts! xx
Linda Poirier-Skulte
My heart goes out to you all. Richard was a blessing to each and every one of us. I will forever cherish our friendship, our talks every day at work and the abundance of laughter he always generated. I will also cherish all his stories and our love for the Toronto Maple Leafs. His love for Cody was undeniably a bond that will never be broken. His eyes always lit up every time he spoke of Cody and he was such a proud Dad. Thinking of you all today and always.
Richard – you will forever be in my heart – Till we meet again xox
Franklin Rock
I have known Richard and family for close to 30 years-dating way back when we worked together at Heritage College
Richard was planning on visiting me here in Florida this past year-unfortunately a holiday that never came to fruition
Such a dear friend of mine for so many years-he will be greatly missed
My heart goes out to his family-especially to Jody and Cody
He was so terribly proud of his son-and rightfully so
Cody is an exceptional son-as I mentioned before to both Richard and Jody, they both should take a bow for raising such a loving and thoughtful son
On Fathers Day a few years back-Cody purchased a new car-giving Richard his car-(as opposed to trading it in)-as a gift to his dad
A gesture Richard was so appreciative of-overwhelmed by his sons generosity
The bond father and son had, was that of friendship and unconditional love
An exceptional son indeed
As for Jody-always held her in the highest esteem
Her true colors shone during this difficult time-being with Richard by his side-from day one
My thoughts are with you both
My dear friend Richard
Miss you buddy
Think of you often
Franklin Spencer Rock
Franklin Rock
Thinking of you especially today my friend
July 22nd
Would have been a milestone birthday
I just had to put ‘pen to paper’
Rest In Peace Richard
Miss you buddy;
Franklin Spencer Rock
Christine Rees
In Loving Memory of
My brother, my hero ❤️
Miss you to the moon
and back ! xo
Dino Cardamone
I am so saddened by the passing of my friend Richard. I will miss our endless conversations about life, movies, food, music, etc…. In the 4 years I’ve known Richard at DND, we developed a very close bond filled with so much laughter and personal stories. He was an excellent listener and genuinely cared about what you were talking about whether it was a work related or personal problems. He would offer clever solutions like how a therapist would give to a patient which made it very easy to talk to him. A day at the office when Richard was there was never a dull day. He also taught me about solid work ethic and being a good person. My sincerest condolences to Cody and the Skrzypkowski family.