John Richard "Rick" Wacheski

It is with immeasurable sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Rick Wacheski on Sunday January 9th, 2022, at home with his loving partner Tracy O’Meara at his side. The world has lost a very kind and gentle man.

Born in Windsor, Ontario to Joseph and Jennie Wacheski, Rick developed his lifelong passion for golf at an early age. Standing on the street corner in the early morning light, he would hitch a ride from American golfers coming from Detroit to play at the Essex Golf and Country Club. He would spend his days caddying and finding errant golf balls to add to his collection and in time worked his way up to the Pro Shop. He’d never miss an opportunity to sneak out on the course after hours to play a few holes.

In addition to golf, Rick loved flying and pursued his interest by joining the Air Cadets as a young teen, eventually logging enough hours to obtain his pilot’s license.

Rick’s true calling came early in his working career. After earning his Journeyman Lineman Certificate with the Windsor Utilities Commission, he became a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 911. Climbing the Union ranks, he became Business Manager of the Local and eventually a full time Business Representative with Local 636, representing members across the Province in a wide variety of disciplines. He retired from Local 636 in 2011 after serving 22 years as Business Manager/Financial Secretary. Rick was a true trade unionist who passionately believed in giving a voice to the working men and women he represented. He was highly respected by members and employers alike and had a gift for finding agreement under the most challenging circumstances.

Upon retirement, Rick and Tracy enjoyed many memorable trips together. Their travels took them to several Provinces in Canada and overseas to Italy, Germany and Ireland. In keeping with his need to pursue his love of golf, Rick joined the Marshal group at Copetown Woods Golf Course. There he developed many treasured friendships that went beyond the golf course. When not on the golf course, Rick could be found walking his beloved dog Finnigan in downtown Dundas. It was rare to see one without the other. Finnigan will forever miss his loving companion.

Rick’s greatest pride and joy were his two sons, Tony (Stacey) and Jeffrey and his three granddaughters, Siona, Vivian and Lilian. He was extremely proud of them and loved their time together, whether it was doing a project around the house or sharing his love of cooking.

In addition to his two sons, Rick leaves behind his brother Vince (Marilyn) and sister Sandy in Windsor, and his nephews Mike (Janaya) and Chris (Kelly).

Rick will also be missed by Tracy’s siblings, Jim (Pauline), Donal, John (Carolyn), Patricia (Michel) and many nieces and nephews. All benefited from Rick’s gift of cooking and savoured countless wonderful meals over the years. In particular, Donal, who moved in with Rick and Tracy to help with Rick’s care, will miss his golfing partner. Donal and Rick enjoyed many golf trips to Florida and had a mutual passion for anything sports related. Thank you Donal for helping fulfill Rick’s wish to live out his days at home.

A special thank you to Rick’s family doctor, Dr. Dennis DiValentino and his staff. His unfailing compassion and care for Rick from the time of his diagnosis with Glioblastoma until his final days, was a source of reassurance and strength for both Rick and Tracy. We will always be grateful for his support during Rick’s illness.

Thank you also to the support staff that came to the house. Nurse Lily from Bayshore Home Care, PSW Tracey from St. Elizabeth Village and the staff at Margaret’s Place Respite - St. Joseph’s Villa where Rick was pampered for two weeks earlier in his illness. They all demonstrated professionalism and kindness when caring for Rick.

In keeping with Rick’s wishes, cremation has already taken place and his ashes will be scattered in the places he loved at a future date.

A Celebration of Rick’s life will be planned for late spring or early summer. Rick would truly love all his friends and family to come together to raise a glass and share their stories.

If you wish, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either The Good Shepherd in Hamilton or Neighbour2Neighbour.

Remember me with smiles and laughter

For that is how I will remember you all.

If you can only remember me with tears,

Then don’t remember me at all.