We Remember
SHANDRO, Ricardo Nichols
December 8, 1945 — October 10, 2022
Rick Shandro, age 76, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on October 10, 2022. Rick had a way of connecting with people (young or old), he would make you smile or laugh and at times find a way to make your eyes roll. Rick had a big heart, and was always ready to lend a hand, give advice, or find a solution to a problem.
Rick was born in Calgary, Alberta to the late Nick and Verna Shandro. He spent his youth in the city, nurturing his love for cars and developing his entrepreneurial spirit. He acquired his auto-body ticket at SAIT and shortly after opened an Autobody Repair Shop in nearby Canmore, AB. Rick, with his wife Doreen, raised their family, Tracie and Jason, in Canmore and together put down strong roots in the community. Rick was a member of the Canmore Lions Club, played hockey with the Canmore Hawks and coached minor hockey. After starting multiple successful businesses, it was time to retire out West. Rick and his family moved to Kelowna, BC in 1990. Retirement lasted a few months before Rick started up the next business, and then the next, and the next. During these years, Rick was also Papa to his 4 grandchildren, Ashley, Allison, Ryan, and Michelle. He was their biggest cheerleader in everything they did, and he took great joy in teasing them and hiding candy in their pockets. For the past 15 years, Rick and Doreen would migrate south to Mesa, Arizona for the winter, where he would enjoy golfing with the GOATS. When they travelled back to Kelowna for the Spring & Summer, Rick found himself back in the world of hot rods and classic cars. He took great pride in restoring cars for himself and others. Being at his shop was his happy place.
A man who adored his family, Rick will be deeply missed by Doreen, his wife of 54 years; his children Tracie (Allan) and Jason (Kim); his grandchildren; and his sister, Jeanette (Lorne); as well as his nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was predeceased by his brother, John, and his parents, Nick and Verna.
A Celebration of Life will take place on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2022, at 1:00 PM (PST), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM:
Service
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2022, at 1:00 PM (PST)
Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME
Doreen, Jason,Tracie and families.It is with our deepest sympathy that we read of Ricks Passing .May you find peace in all of the wonderful memories you have .. Rick touched many lives .
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I worked for Rick&Doreen in Canmore many years ago when they were in charge of the Esso plus foods. They were the most kind bosses I’ve ever had and often think about my time there fondly.
Doreen Sorry to read of Ricks passing. May he Rest In Peace. Heart felt condolences to you and the children. Many good memories of great times when we lived in Canmore. ♥️🙏🏻
Doreen, Tracie & Jason,
We are so sad to hear about Ricks passing. He was such a wonderful soul. We are sending our deepest condolences to all of you:(
With love, Mike & Chris Eklof xo
I was so very sorry to hear of Ricks passing. My heart goes out to all of you. May your wonderful memories warm your hearts as you go navigate your grief. Heaven gained another beautiful soul!😢💔
Dear Doreen and family. Thinking of Rick this morning as I have been for the last couple of weeks, I found myself laughing, remembering his unique attitude which turned into crying then laughing then crying. It seemed very appropriate given his spirit, a good man. A great loss with a lasting loving and light hearted legacy. Love Adriane
Oh Doreen and family so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing sending condolences from Vanessa, Amy and I 💐
We are so saddened to hear about Rick. He always had a smile on his face. Rick coached our boys in minor hockey
for many years. Our condolences to Doreen, Tracy, Jason and families.
Well what can you say about Rick Shandro…? Welcoming, gracious host, fun, a bit of a bullshitter, ready to help you, ready to celebrate. Memories are so warm and fuzzy so here are some of ours: I didn’t even know Rick all that long (he married my lovely cousin Doreen) before I knew I wanted him to give the toast to the bride at our wedding (he made just such a great impression on me early on), When we were travelling out west for a little holiday, Rick and Do invited our son to stay at their house to attend a hockey camp that Rick was really enthusiastic about, and ever since then, Rick has had a special spot in ours son’s heart as well. He loved kids/young people cause I think he remained a kid at heart all his life. That’s why people loved to be around him. Do, (and the Chicago crew) do you remember ‘Rusty’ at the Chicago wedding? Rick T. has been called Rusty ever since Rick S gave him the nickname (the infamous urinal incident). And of course Rick’s famous recipe of chicken grease for his hair…my Mom would laugh every time we talked about that. Rick, you brought us such good memories, too numerous to mention here. Hope to see you up there some day to keep us all entertained! Love to all the family and we are thinking of you always. We will miss him dearly.
Maureen & Myron Hutmacher
My Sincere Condolence to Doreen, Tracie, Jason and All the Family. I was ‘shock’ stricken to learn of Rick’s sudden passing and so, so Sorry for Your Loss. our Loss.
I have many, many stories I could share. However, I will detail only how we met Rick, (the Young self-made entrepreneur)! It was the summer of 1960 when we moved from Sask. to Alberta (as newlyweds) and took up residency in the Parkdale Community of Calgary, AB. Within 2 weeks Rick was at our door, introduced himself as the neighborhood Calgary Herald Carrier and asked if we would like to have daily delivery of the Calgary Herald Newspaper. Later he often reminded us how he bought his first car from the change/tips we paid his him each week!
Within a couple of years Rick came to our door to introduce his high school girlfriend ‘Doreen’! Next, they were both at our door to announce their wedding plans and to ask if our daughter ‘Kim’ could be their flower girl! Needless to say, a lifetime Friendship began, our young families evolved, matured and remained connected. Our experiences, adventure and appreciation of Family, is archived in each of our ‘photo albums’.
Each day pull out a memory and remember the Joy you experienced as Family and refer to the treasure trove of Love ‘tucked’ in those Albums!
Forever Loving Friend
Doreen (George) Dowhaniuk
Our condolences to Doreen and family. So sorry for your loss.
We are sending our deepest condolences to the entire Shandro family. Rick was such a big, fun and loving personality that he will be deeply missed by so many. I can recall many childhood and family memories that include Rick and his fun antics, like never accepting a collect phone call from us because “he was just the babysitter”! It was that spark that made you love him so deeply. We treasure all the beautiful memories and send you our love and sympathy
A beautiful tribute, and a wonderful family. The most meaningful way to honour Rick.
From your Viewpoint, Arizona friends
Doreen,
What a lovely tribute and send off to Rick. I so enjoyed the slide show. He would have been so pleased. A life well lived for sure.
Gwen & Jim Ulan