It is with great sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Richard Arnold Makowsky on December 18, 2025, at Grace Hospice at William Booth, Regina, SK at the age of 87 years.

Richard Arnold Makowsky, the only son of Pat and Tony Makowsky, was born on May 19, 1938, in Canora, SK.

He attended a country school before completing grade 6-12 at Veregin, SK. Grade 12 was completed at KCI in Kamsack, SK.

Richard was very athletic and excelled in hockey, basketball, track and field and curling. But his best and favourite sport was as a baseball pitcher in his high school years for the Kamsack Cyclones. He was offered the opportunity to attend a college in the USA but chose not to pursue it.

Richard entered the U of S in Saskatoon in 1957 and studied Civil Engineering for two years. His love of sports and working with young people ultimately led him to enroll in teachers’ college in Regina in 1960.

Richard met his future wife, Caroline Wozney, at KCI grade 12. The 5-year courtship resulted in marriage on October 21, 1961.

Richard and Carol began their married life in Nipawin, SK where he began his teaching career at Alex Wright and Wagner elementary Schools. Later teaching at the Nipawin junior high and L.P Miller High School.

Together they raised their children Cheryl (1963), Liane (1965), and Christopher (1972). Over the next ten years, Richard completed both a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Mathematics and Psychology, and especially valued his work as a guidance counsellor.

Outside of school and family life, Richard was very actively involved in the Nipawin Kinsmen Club as President and Secretary and other chairs until he became a member of the K40 club. He was also a devoted member of St. John’s Anglican Church, where he served on vestry and as a Lay Reader.

Richard’s most enjoyed hobbies included coaching hockey for 12 years as well as refereeing, and he still managed to find time to read hundreds of mystery novels.

Work, family, and studies filled many years, along with cherished summers at the family cottage at Candle Lake. Over 48 years, many memories were made with welcoming family, friends and many guests.

Some civic duties related to property matters whereby he was one of the original founders of the company called Seven Developments which is now known as Island View Place, at Candle Lake, Saskatchewan.

Richard retired on December 20, 1991, after 30 years of teaching. Following retirement, he became a full-time bookkeeper at Minaro’s Jewellery for 10 years, a company owned by his wife, Carol and late partner Minnie Deutsch. Carol retired in 2003, and together they began to travel more.

Early family vacations took them to Disney Land, Barbados and Huatulco. They also travelled across Canada, Mexico, Italy, Hawaii, and did an Alaskan cruise. But they entered their most loved chapter of retirement, spending 14 winters in Palm Desert, California, where they formed many close and lasting friendships.

In July of 2019, after 58 wonderful years in Nipawin, a decision was made to relocate to Greenfalls Landing Retirement Home in Regina to be closer to some family and to ensure access to medical care.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, Pat and Tony Makowsky (2007) and his niece Sherry Stone (1972).

He leaves to mourn his beloved wife Carol, of 64 years and his children; Cheryl (Don) Chynoweth, Liane (Rick) Green, and Christopher (Dacy); his grandchildren Kaden (Emma), Danik (Jake) Shaelynn (Murray), Stephanie (Jake) Tonita, Samantha (Tarik), Meghan (Dillon) Dallaire, Taylor (Morgan) Purinton, Jaylene Makowsky, Michael Makowsky; his great-grandchildren Emily, Brooklynn, and William; Axton and Navaya; and Clyde and Kacey; his sister Judy (Stan) Stone; his nephew Neal Stone; his niece Wendy (Dave) Kutcher and their son Hunter and many extended family members and dear friends.

 

A celebration of life will be held on January 10, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Speers Funeral Home Regina, SK.
A private interment will be held at a later date, at  Mabel Hill, in Nipawin, SK.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Grace Hospice at William Booth, Regina, SK.

The family placed their trust with Coventry Funeral Services Nipawin, SK  306-862-4233.

• Date : 2025-12-18
• Location : Nipawin