Richard passed away peacefully on Feb. 11, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Hospice, surrounded by loved ones after a long battle with COPD and emphysema. Born on Feb. 15, 1951, in Winnipeg to Marie Pagee, he made Thunder Bay his home in 1986 and worked for Tees & Persse Brokerage. Later, he was employed by Culinar, Ouirnent Canyon Water, and Sasi Water. For 32 years, he was an active member of ACT /UCT. Starting in 1995, Richard and Sharon traveled to NASCAR races every year for many years. He also loved spending hours woodworking in his shop.
Richard is survived by his partner of 35 years, Sharon Haywood Kozak; her daughter Pam (Kozak) Youmans (Daryle) and son George Kozak; son Richard Pylychuk Jr (Tammi, Kari Allard, Frankie Fiorentino); daughter Candice Pylychuk (all from BC); grandchildren Austin Madigan, Jonas and Noah Godin; many cousins and their families; as well as Sharon’s siblings and their families. He was predeceased by his mother Marie and Joe Lavoie; grandparents Eugene and Emma Pagee; all aunts and uncles; plus Sharon’s parents Jack and Mabel Haywood.
In line with his wishes, there will be no service held. His ashes will be interred at Brookside Cemetery in Winnipeg alongside his Mother and Grandmother sometime in the Spring. The family expresses gratitude to Megan of Ontario Health at Horne; Tammi, Claudia and Julie from Para Med; all the nurses at St. Joseph’s Hospice; as well as Northwest Funeral Alternative for their kind care during this time. In memory of Richard, donations can be made to the Thunder Bay Salvation Army (soup van) by cheque at 545 N. Cumberland St., Thunder Bay P7A 4S2 or via credit card by calling 807-345-7319.
He is now at peace and will always be loved and missed.
Condolences may be made through www. nwfainc. com
