Kenneth Edward Paruch
Date de décès : 3 novembre 2017
It is with broken hearts and shattered spirits that my mother and I announce the passing of my hero, my Daddy, Kenneth Edward Paruch, after a courageous battle with glioblastoma. Dad passed away peacefully in my arms on Friday, November 3, 2017, in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital An Cala unit. A beloved father, husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend, my Dad enriched the lives of many.
Born January 27, 1957, in Sydney, he was the son of Stella (Mroz) and the late John Kantius Paruch. Raised in Whitney Pier, Dad enjoyed a wonderful childhood with his three brothers and many friends. After graduating from Sydney Academy in 1975, Dad attended St. Mary’s University and proudly graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1978. Having a strong work ethic, Dad’s career was very important to him, and he served as Director of Finance for Sydney Steel Corporation for 25 years, followed by 10 years as Customer Service Manager for Nova Scotia Power. After deciding he wasn’t quite ready to retire, Dad accepted a year term as Customer Experience Officer with Marine Atlantic, and finally began to enjoy full retirement in 2013.
Whether it was a snow blower, a leaky faucet, or a broken heart, my Dad could fix anything. A jack of all trades, and truly the master of all, my Dad was everyone’s most trusted handyman and advisor. A carpenter, electrician, plumber, mechanic, painter, financial advisor, and counsellor – Dad did it all. Eager and willing to help anyone in need, friends, family, and neighbours often called upon him to fix any problem, big or small. Dad participated in a lengthy list of volunteer activities and found great joy in helping others.
A true example of the expression “work hard, play hard”, my Dad lived his life to the fullest. With a love for travel, Dad enjoyed many trips all over the world with his family and friends, and especially loved to cruise the Caribbean. Passionate about the great outdoors, Dad enjoyed numerous activities in the winter months including skiing, skating, snowshoeing, and his favourite, exploring the Cape Breton Highlands on his snowmobile. When the summer arrived, Dad enjoyed his yard work, walking with friends, sailing, swimming, and jet skiing. Dad and I spent many a glorious summer day together ‘out on the Mira’ with the Mercer family – memories we will carry in our hearts forever.
Without a doubt, his greatest summer passion was fly fishing with his dear friend Jimmy on the Margaree River – his favourite place in the world. Dad also had the pleasure of fishing the Campbell River in BC with his brother Johnny – an experience he truly cherished. His greatest fishing adventure came this past July, when he embarked on his dream fishing trip to Alaska with dear friends Charles and Dave. Of course, Dad expertly tied his own flies, which proved to be very successful in catching many fish – including a record-breaking 38 lb. sockeye salmon.
Above all, Dad’s greatest passion was his family. Dad shared 38 wonderful years with the love of his life, my mom Rosanne. Their partnership was special, full, and rich. After 13 years of marriage, I came into the picture and immediately captured my father’s heart and soul. As his pride and joy, and most faithful side-kick, Dad and I were unimaginably close. His little helper, Dad let me tag along for many projects and adventures, and he always had fun activities planned for the two of us to enjoy. He tenderly guided me through the trials and tribulations of growing up, and enabled me to step confidently into the world, knowing he was right by my side with love, encouragement, advice, and a shoulder to cry on. He was my very best friend. I know he is proud of the woman I have become, and I only hope he knows how proud I am that he is my Dad.
Dad warmly welcomed my husband, Andrew, into our family – the son he never had. Dad developed a deep and lasting bond with Andrew and his family, one filled with love, humour, and friendship. Dad confidently passed the torch to Andrew, knowing he will continue his work of taking care of me.
Left with broken hearts, but blessed with fond memories, Dad is survived by me, Maria Young; his wife, Rosanne (Mollon), and his son-in-law, Andrew Young. Dad is also survived by his mother, Stella (Mroz) Paruch; brothers, Richard (Betty) Paruch, Alan (Erin) Paruch, and sister-in-law, Iris Paruch. Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Mae Mollon; sister-in-law, Rose Marie (Harry) Campbell, and brothers-in-law, George (Barb) Mollon, Darrell (Lisa) Mollon and Ken Musgrave. Dad also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Besides his father, Dad is predeceased by his brother, John, in 2012, and sister, Barbara, in infancy; father-in-law, Leslie Mollon, and sisters-in-law, Blanche Musgrave, and Margie Dargel. He was also predeceased by his uncle and godfather, Edward Mroz; special neighbours, Charlie and Edna Ponee, and special friend, Nick Young.
Always willing to help others, Dad generously donated his tissues as his final gift to those in need.
Visitation will be held at Sydney Memorial Chapel, Tuesday, November 7, from 6-9 p.m. A celebration of Dad’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 8, at 11 a.m., at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Sydney River. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
Donations in Dad’s honour may be made to the Patient Care Fund at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, or to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton.
A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, he only takes the best.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
