It is with overwhelming gratitude for the life of Richard Shodin that we share with deepest sorrow our news of his death.
Richard died on December 29th with the nurturing assistance of the staffing at Lake of the Woods District Hospital and in the supportive care of his family.
Born in Kenora on March 1st, 1953 to Edwin and Jean (Onarheim) Shodin as their fifth of seven children, Richard lived happily as a proud member of his family and community.
Richard worked for 47 years. While he had various early jobs, he was best known for the work he enjoyed the most, as a heavy equipment operator. He worked many years for Devlin Timber and retired from Weyerhaeuser in this capacity.
Raised as a son of a carpenter, he and his brothers have enjoyed life long carpentry skills themselves. Friends, family and community have all been able to rely on Richard’s willingness and skill. This has included repairs and maintenance of our historic Knox United Church partnered with Alex Coats and the camaraderie of Kenora’s Trylight Theatre “Set Elves” to name two.
Richard loved summer family life at camp on Marchant’s Island on the Winnipeg River. He and Brenda enjoyed extensive travel with their children, parents, siblings and friends to destinations across North America and around the globe. Notably, Costa Rica and the Hawaiian Islands were return favourites.
Proudest of his life within his family, Richard valued “normal time” above all. He appreciated the life that he had built and savoured every average day in it.
Richard and his family have been strengthened by their wider community of family and friends both in Kenora and across so many miles, together with their Knox Church family. Our deep gratitude to all.
Richard, together with us all, could not fully express our gratitude for our Kenora Medical Community. From our friends Dr. Steph Foidart and Aleigha Bohoslawec at Docside Clinic, the skill and care of the Chemotherapy staff, through to Home Care helpers and the caring and respectful environment created by Palliative Care Nurse Charlene Melillo and Dr. Brad Kyle. Gratitude as well to friend Cory Jinkerson at Brown’s Funeral Home for his thoughtful care. We have all known only supportive efforts from everyone.
Predeceased by his Parents and sister Linda Miclash (Dave), Richard is survived by his wife Brenda (Reynolds), daughter Ericka (Chaitanya Mandalappu), son Christopher (Jillian Stajkowski), siblings Karin Marchant (Dan), Diane Giles (Chris), John / Jack (Dolores), Susan Turner (Brian), Stephen (Sheila), 24 greatly loved nieces and nephews, 32 great-nieces and nephews and 5 great-great-nieces and nephews.
A worship service honouring Richard’s life is planned for Friday, January 5th, 2023 at 2:00pm at Knox United Church in Kenora.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of gratitude honouring Richard are suggested to Knox United Church – Kenora Ontario, the Palliative Care Program at Kenora’s Lake of the Woods District Hospital or a charitable effort of your own choosing.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Shodin family.