Nicholas Vucurevich

It is with great sadness that the family of Nicholas Vucurevich announces his passing at the age of 66, with his family by his side.

Left to celebrate his life is his loving wife Valerie of 40 years. Dearest father of Shawn (Erin) Vucurevich and Lara (Russel) Akune. Adored grandpa of Mikinnly, Shaelynn and Kaemon Akune.

Nick will be sadly missed by his mother Helen, brothers Walter (Janice), Bill (Janet), John (Sophie), sister Jean Danyluk and sister in law Faye Hamilton.

Also mourning his passing are Valerie's Sisters Emma (Andy) Kerner, Delores (Cecil) McMullan, Pam (Michael) David, brothers Randy (Brenda) Garrecht, Rob (Darlene) Garrecht, sister in law Dianna Garrecht, numerous nieces nephews and friends.

He is predeceased by his father Steve, Brother Mark, father and mother in law George and Florence Garrecht and brother in law Harvey Garrecht.

Nick was born in Raymond, Alberta on Nov 7, 1941. At the young age of 16 he was involved in a terrible accident that left him a paraplegic and in a wheelchair for life. This was an awful blow to him as well as his family. On approaching the school board Mr. Vucurevich was informed that his son could not attend school and was advised that he could possibly take up basket weaving or watch repairing. Nick went on to defy all odds in a time when it wasn't accepted and received his degree in Health Administration from the University of Saskatoon.

He spent 35 years as Chief Executive Officer running facilities in the health care field. In Bow Island, AB, Princeton, BC, Fernie, BC, Sechelt, BC, and Brooks, AB. During this time he expanded and built several of these facilities. Nick was actively involved on numerous boards within Alberta and British Columbia. Upon retiring from the health care field he ventured into private enterprise with his family and partner Randy Garrecht. They owned and operated CJ's convenience store for 6 years in Taber, Alberta. In the fall of 1997 he and Val moved to Lethbridge where he became actively involved with the Lethbridge Handicap Riding Association. Where ever Nick went he always made an unforgettable impression, he possessed strength, perseverance and an ability to overcome incredible odds and physical challenges throughout his lifetime.
Many thanks to Dr. Bezuidenhout, Dr. Smith, Dr. Penner, and all of the kind staff at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital Palliative Care Unit.

Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at 7:00pm, on Monday, November 3, 2008, at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street South, Lethbridge, AB.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30am, on Tuesday, November 4, 2008, at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 - 12 Ave., S., Lethbridge, AB, with Father Raul Hernandez celebrant.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian ""Pancreatic"" Cancer Society, 317 - 10th St., S., Lethbridge, AB, T1J 9Z9, or to the Canadian Paraplegic Association, 1254 - 3 Ave, S, T1J 0K1.