Dad was born to Walter and Nellie Skrupski on April 4, 1929. He grew up on the farm near Krydor, SK, the oldest of five children. After graduating from Hafford High School he attended what was then called Normal School to become a teacher. He accepted his first teaching position at a one room schoolhouse called Beausite School in the D’Amour area west of Leask, SK in February, 1947, shortly before his eighteenth birthday. In 1949 he took a position at Evergreen School, near Kilwinning, SK. It was here that he met his future wife, Jean Dobson.

Dad and Mom were married on December 23, 1953. In 1958, he accepted a position at Leask High School and they moved to Leask. Other than a brief stint teaching in Calgary, AB he spent the rest of his 35 year career teaching various grades at Leask High School, retiring in 1982. In addition to his teaching, Dad always worked at least one other job to provide for his family. He spent summers working for Patrick Pipeline and then later, as a farmhand for fellow teacher John Kalmakoff. He also drove a school bus and was active as a referee at the hockey arena. Dad was always proud when a former student would take the time to stop by to say hello, or greet him on the street.

Dad was predeceased by both of his parents, as well as his sister Maria (Roy) Shannon, and his brothers Zygmund (Jackie), and Bernard. In 2009, just short of 56 years of marriage, he lost the love of his life when Mom passed away; there was a void in his life that could never be filled after her passing. He is survived by his sons Courtney (Janet) and Greg (Leola); his grandchildren Brett (Crystal), Blair, Thomas, and Breanna; and his sister Cecile (Mike Heath) Coupland.

Dad’s wishes were to have a private memorial, which was held at Beau Lac Funeral Home, Shellbrook, SK; and to be laid to rest next to Mom at the Leask Cemetery in the spring, according to his wishes.

Memorial donations in memory of Nick may be directed to the Shellbrook and Districts Health Services Project. Beau”Lac” Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.

• Date : 2013-01-09 06:00:00