Mr. Randy Bernard Scharnik

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our husband and father, Randy Scharnik on November 5, 2020. Randy was born on May 26, 1960 in Winnipeg to Mollie and Bernard Scharnik. Randy’s mother and father meant the world to him and had a huge impact on the kind person that he became. Randy is survived by his wife of 35 years, Hazel, children Lindsay (Ian), and Mitch, siblings Richard (Trish), and Barbara (Dennis), and nieces Stacy and Rylee, the Kotz family – sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews, as well as many close family friends. Randy is predeceased by his parents Mollie and Bernard Scharnik, in-laws Kay Kotz and Mytro Kotz, brother-in-law Ron, and nephew Leigh.

Randy was born and raised in Elmwood on Johnson Avenue, growing up a few houses down from life-long best friend Peter. Randy’s childhood was spent playing outside - riding bikes and playing spongee in the back lane with his buddies. Randy played hockey and lacrosse at nearby Kelvin Community Centre. Randy had a passion for his many cars, and spent time fixing up his 1967 Beaumont. Randy graduated from Elmwood High, and then attended Red River College where he met the love of his life, Hazel. Randy worked for the Stepien’s International Furs, where he spent many hours with close friends. Randy and Peter worked on the moose that Mytro hunted, that is still hung with pride at home. After graduating from Red River, he began his career at Canada Revenue Agency where he worked for 35 years and made many lifelong friends. Randy and Hazel built a house in North Kildonan, not straying too far from his family and Elmwood friends that he grew up with. He loved his Elmwood crowd.

In 1985 Randy and Hazel were married and honeymooned in Jamaica. It took some time for Randy to meet everyone in the large Kotz family and remember all their names. They travelled to a few hot destinations with friends including Hawaii, Bahamas and Cuba. Life got busy when they had their children Lindsay and Mitch. Randy’s passion was his home, his family and friends. He spent much of his time raising his kids and taking them to hockey and swimming. He loved cooking for his family and was known for his delicious home-made pizza and apple crumble.

Special memories include summertime at the beach, camping in the tent trailer, taking the kids to Mexico, and summer holidays at Bill and Marg’s cabin in Otter Falls. Randy enjoyed the sun, heat, and having fun in the water. He also enjoyed building bon-fires and telling ghost stories. Randy & family took frequent trips to Dryden to visit Grandpa and many summers included trips to visit family and attend family weddings. There were also numerous trips to Grand Forks for a little getaway with family and friends, where we enjoyed pizza by the poolside.

Randy enjoyed travelling to some hot destinations but most of the time he enjoyed being at home, spending time in his backyard enjoying the sun and garden. Gardening was a passion he shared with others. He liked playing his music loud, and claimed the excessive volume was acceptable because he had squatters’ rights since he was one of the first to build a house on the street. Randy was very proud of his home and enjoyed the company of his neighbors. He was a true homebody.

Randy was very stubborn. He finally caved to a pet cat after months of kids begging, and our Trooper magically appearing at the same time. One summer day Randy went golfing and came home to find his bank account empty and a new pet dog – Sugar – at home. Needless to say, he did not go golfing again after that.

Randy doted on his mother, taking care of her and her home for many years. Randy planted and helped maintain Mollie’s garden when it became too much for her to do herself, ensuring she maintained her gardening pastime and had fresh vegetables to share with others. Randy really enjoyed our family dinners on holidays and special occasions and barbecued for many gatherings. Randy’s Elmwood friends meant a lot to him, and they stayed close even as they all grew up and had families of their own. Randy, Peter and Clive always had special birthday celebrations together, which included scotch tastings, and sometimes the wives were allowed to come too.

2015 was a special year as Randy celebrated his retirement from CRA, Lindsay and Ian were married, Mitch bought his first house, and Randy and Hazel became empty-nesters. In his retirement Randy spent a lot of time with his furry-friend Sugar and took care of her when her health declined. Randy and Hazel enjoyed a few more trips with their friends to Jamaica and Puerto Vallarta. A trip to Las Vegas with Peter and Shelly was a special time that Randy cherished.

In 2019 Randy and Hazel bought a cabin at Betula Lake to spend time with family and friends. Although hesitant at first, once out of the city Randy enjoyed the sun, water and boat at the lake. Randy enjoyed a special family weekend with his brother and sister at the cabin, taking them on a boat ride. Randy and Hazel recently celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary in August.

Randy will be remembered as a very kind and loving man. He was fiercely loyal and never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was strong & silent, and incredibly stubborn. Our world will not be the same without him. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

A big thank you to the staff at Cancer Care, the Thoracic Surgery Clinic at HSC, and Riverview Health Centre for the care provided to Randy. A special thank you to Dr. James Paul.

Those who wish may make a donation to Cancer Care Manitoba in Randy’s honour.

A private family burial has taken place.