Nickolas William Punga, age 42, passed away at his home on Friday, June 13, 2025. He was born on January 13, 1983, to parents Rodney and Beth, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

Nick spent the first eight years of his life on the farm in Wood Mountain, Saskatchewan. In 1991, Nick moved with his family to Strathmore, Alberta, where he lived for the rest of his life. Nick loved driving so much that he made it his career. He got his Class 1a license in 2008, He spent a lot of time operating vac trucks in northern Alberta. But he preferred 18 wheelers, making lots of long hauls all over western Canada. He treated his own pickups like beloved children. He loved to build things, whether it be Legos or big woodwork projects with his mom.

Nick loved dogs, and he had a special bond with his three beagles — Flash, Charlie, and Otto — who were not just pets, but members of his family. Whether playing, curled up on the couch, or riding shotgun on the road, they were never far from his side. Nick has been predeceased by Flash and Charlie. He is survived by Otto, who is a testament to the joy and companionship Nick found in the dogs he adored.

Nick lived with an aggressive form of Polycystic Kidney Disease. He had to have his kidneys removed before he could get on the list to receive a kidney transplant. He began hemodialysis in 2023 and underwent surgery in October of that year. After a long recovery, he finally received a new kidney three days before his 42nd birthday, only five months ago.

He is survived by his longtime partner Christy Kallen; beloved beagle, Otto; parents Rodney and Beth Punga (Stewart); sisters Jennifer Punga, Sonia (Ayres); nieces, Kaydence, Ray, Gillian, and Rebecca; great aunt Shirley Punga, and many, many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He has been predeceased by his beagles, Flash and Charlie; grandparents Nick and Georgina Punga, as well as Bill and Donna Stewart; uncle Tim Stewart; and cousin Cole Jones.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Kidney Foundation of Canada.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2025 AT MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta.

To watch the Service via livestream, please visit https://youtu.be/S0BIaHuyABw