Nicholas Small

Nicholas Small (Nick) passed away Wednesday October 17, 2012 at his home in Victoria B.C.. He was born in Hrycowola Ukraine on Janary 1, 1925. He is survived by his children: Nadia Small and Gary Small (Li) both of Gabriola Island and George Small (Lindy) of Toronto. He is also survived by three grandchildren: Roslyn (Jon) Small and Bronwyn Small of Toronto and Nicholas Haayer (Kellie) of Houston Texas, as well as two great grandchildren: Liam and MacKenzie Haayer. Nick had an incredible life. As a young man during WW II, he managed to survive by his wits and his skill as a tailor in several forced labour camps. After the war, he married Katryn Wawryn (Sambir Ukraine) and immigrated to Canada in 1949 with Katryn and their two year-old daughter Nadia. He worked at several jobs before operating his own grocery store in Edmonton. In 1951, he joined the Canadian Forces and spent his main working life as a soldier and tailor at various military bases in Canada and a posting in Lahr Germany. He was also a veteran of the Korean War. After his retirement from the Army, he fulfilled his life long dreams of building an ocean cruising sailboat and then running a scuba diving business on Gabriola Island; incredible feats for a man who started life as the son of parents who were struggling farmers in Ukraine. He retired again at the tender age of 72 to spend more time with his family and his hobbies including square dancing, golf and playing cards with his friends. Nick tried to live life to the fullest. He was honest, trustworthy and kind. We loved him dearly. He will be missed by family and friends. He asked for his family to spread his ashes in the ocean and we will honour his request. We are also arranging a marker for him at Victorias historic veterans cemetery.