Richard Shivak

Richard (Rick) Joseph Shivak of Calgary, Alberta, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, December 30, 2023, at the age of 75 years.

Richard was born in St. Anthony’s Hospital in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan, on December 12, 1948, to Joseph and Theresa (Plosz) Shivak. Together, with his eight younger brothers and sisters, Rick spent his childhood years mainly in the Stockholm, Saskatchewan area. Rick attended elementary school in Stockholm and high school in Esterhazy.

Rick left the family farm and found work in a variety of jobs including as an electrician apprentice in Estevan and at a music store in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. He later moved to Calgary where he worked for Paymaster selling check writers across the province. This later evolved into his own business selling security software for financial institutions. He remained in Calgary for the rest of his life but would return home for harvest occasionally and for the Christmas holidays.

Once in Calgary, Rick met and married Cory Guntel. They later parted after several years together.

Rick had a lifelong passion and interest in music. One of his first jobs was at Howie’s Music and Jewelry store in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. When he would come home to help at harvest time, he could be found in the evening sitting on a stook of oat sheaves playing his guitar and singing in the moonlight. Rick played with several bands including the Gina Montgomery Show and the Dave Douglas Show at a variety of venues in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and B.C. He was always the one to bring out a guitar at family bonfires and gatherings. Rick owned many musical instruments and also repaired instruments for others through the years. He also built a recording studio in the basement of his home in Calgary.

As the oldest of the children, Rick always felt a sense of responsibility for the rest of the family. He is lovingly remembered by his siblings, Marcel (Arlis), Carol (René), Jerry (Jackie), Tim, Darcy (Rose), and Jeannette (Don); his aunts, Bernadine, Cecilia, and Evelyn; as well many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by his mother, Theresa; nephew, Kelly; father, Joseph; sister, Denice (Jim); and brother Dennis. Rick will be sadly missed by his brothers and sisters, extended family and all who knew him.

Following Rick’s wishes, his remains were cremated. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 1305 Main Street S., Airdrie, AB on May 24, 2024 at 2:30 PM.