Richard Skryzyzala was born in Coleman, a small town on the Alberta BC border. At the age of 18, and just finishing high school, he decided to join the Canadian Armed Forces for a 5-year term. After 35 years of service, he retired as the Squadron Chief Warrant Officer of 442 Search and Rescue Squadron in the Comox Valley.
Richard’s career took him across Canada and overseas with postings to Cold Lake Alta, Baden Germany, Halifax, Victoria, and headquarters postings to Ottawa and Winnipeg. Upon retirement, he ran a program for the Alzheimer Society and became a board member of the RLPO Association and the Royal Canadian Airforce Association. This included numerous positions on these boards including the president.
Sadly, Rick passed away on February 19, 2025. Rick was a valued member of MRANA’s Board of Directors since our first year of operation. Rick came forward to volunteer as he saw the need for better emergency access and another exit for Macaulay Road. He was a great asset at our meetings with the CVRD and with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit, he managed our contingent of Black Creek Citizens on Patrol with Speedwatch sessions, and he organized our “Clean the Mac” Earth Day event (receiving third place prize). He provided a tour of the Oyster River Fish Hatchery at one of our AGMs, made great chilli, and barbecued for our events at our Macaulay Heights Park. Rick had built his home on Robinson Lake about 30 years ago and enjoyed living in our neighbourhood.