Nicholas "Nick" SkulskiMay 13, 1929 - February 5, 2011The sudden and unexpected death of Mr. Nicholas "Nick" Skulski of Humboldt occurred at Humboldt District Hospital on Saturday, February 5, 2011. He was 81 years of age. Nick was born on May 13, 1929, to Anton and Tekla (nee Oleskiw) Skulski in Humboldt. He grew up there and attended St. Augustine Elementary School and Humboldt Collegiate Institute. After graduating in 1947, Nick moved to Kimberley, BC, where he was employed in the housing construction industry. A year later, he returned to Humboldt and, in 1949, began working for the C.N.R. as a conductor. It was during that time in his life that he met Sophie Shumeluk, a young telephone operator from Alvena. The special friendship that grew from that meeting culminated in their marriage on September 5, 1953, in Saskatoon. That union was blessed with five children, three daughters and two sons; however, one daughter died in infancy. Nick and Sophie made their home in Humboldt throughout their lives together. During the children's and, later, grandchildren's formative years, Nick had always stressed the importance of education, and he was very proud of their achievements. On May 31, 1988, after a career that spanned 39 years, Nick retired. Retirement allowed him extra time to visit with his family. In addition, he enjoyed helping Sophie with various housekeeping duties and was very supportive of her volunteer work and efforts, assisting her behind the scenes. Nick loved spending time at the lake, taking in the view from the deck, especially at Waldsea or Greenwater. As well, he was an Associate Member of the Royal Canadian Legion. A good one-on-one conversationalist and humourist, Nick was known for his limitless supply of witty one-liners. Nick will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife of 57 years, Sophie (nee Shumeluk) Skulski of Humboldt; two sons, two daughters, and six grandchildren: Brian (Christine) Skulski of Humboldt and family, Thomas, Susanne and Katherine; Karen (Allan) Siermachesky of Humboldt and family, Alexander and Hannah; Mary Jane (Patrick) Morrison of St. Albert, AB, and daughter Emma; and Neil Skulski of St. Albert, AB; one sister, Anne Dobni of Saskatoon; two sisters-in-law: Eleanor Skulski of Humboldt; and Joan Skulski of the U.S.A.; and by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one daughter, Caroline Skulski (in infancy, 1961); his parents, Anton and Tekla (nee Oleskiw) Skulski; four brothers and two sisters: Paul Skulski, Alice (Ted) Lewis, Olga (John) Friesen, Mike Skulski, and Joseph and John Skulski (both in infancy); brother-in-law, John Dobni; and by one nephew, Kerry Friesen. The Prayer Service for Nick was held at St. Augustine R.C. Church, Humboldt, on Wednesday, February 9th at 7:30 p.m., led by Nestor Trach and organist Darlene Cash. Scripture readers were Neil Skulski and Tudi Pearce, and the eulogy was delivered by Patrick Morrison and Allan Siermachesky. The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Augustine R.C. Church on Thursday, February 10th at 10:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Emile April. Others taking part were: Patrick Morrison, cross bearer; Leo Altrogge and Benji Schlosser, altar servers; Karen and Hannah Siermachesky, scripture readers; Mary Jane Morrison, intentions; Brian Skulski and Allan Siermachesky, gift bearers; Christine Skulski and Liz Trach, eucharistic ministers. Music ministry was provided by the St. Augustine Parish Funeral Choir. Pallbearers were Thomas, Susanne and Katherine Skulski, Emma Morrison, Alexander and Hannah Siermachesky. Interment followed at St. Augustine R.C. Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to the St. Augustine Parish Building Fund. SCHULER-LEFEBVRE, Humboldt, SK.
