Obituaries

NICHOLAS VICTOR JAMES KARASIUKJanuary 21, 1988 – December 11, 2016
   On January 21, 1988, Nicholas Victor James Karasiuk was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. From day one we were all captured by his beautiful and mischievous smile. Throughout his 28 years of life, he was an active, energetic, fun-loving and very courageous young man.   Nicholas was a graduate of St. Paul’s High School and Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology. He was a true joy to spend time with and had a unique ability to relate to anyone and everyone, no matter their age or status in life. He could effectively communicate with a Chief Executive Officer or a street sweeper. Nicholas would stay focused on the subject content and he treated everyone in the same manner.   Often referred to as “Nix, he had more character, guts and toughness (both mentally and physically) and displayed a greater pain tolerance than anyone could ever imagine. He was bright, engaging and loaded with a wide collection of skills and talents. Everything from woodworking and welding, to engine mechanics and birch log furniture. Nix had mastered many levels of expertise.   He was a true outdoorsman spending many days hunting, fishing, horseback riding, snowmobiling, snowboarding, mucking around on the quad, boating and skiing or just enjoying the beauty of cleaning snow, clearing brush or chopping wood. Nix was also a member of the “15x” High Performance Pit-Crew at Red River Speedway. When it was time for relaxing, he enjoyed three of his big favourites, cooking barbeque ribs or pickerel and having a beer. Nicholas had an unbelievable connection with all animals including his love of riding horses and playing with the three family dogs. In many ways, he was an original Manitoba dog whisperer and displayed these talents with Bebados, Bogart and most recently with rescue dog Oliver.   Nicholas had an extremely close bond with his mother Nadene and father Brian. He loved being with the family. He had a special relationship with his grandmas Margaret Kouk and Olga Karasiuk and grandfathers Jim Kouk and Victor Karasiuk. Many photo albums and videos highlight Nicholas at play with his grandparents at family gatherings, special events, creating in the kitchen and at various outdoor adventures. Nix was especially connected to his cousins. He was always one of the lead jokesters and was extra protective in acting as a big brother for the younger ones. His aunts and uncles from various parts of the USA and Canada will always remember Nicholas as bright, engaging and a truly gentle and caring soul. He was particularly tight with the entire lake family on Lake of the Woods – Poplar Bay, who knew and loved him just as much as his immediate family. A Good Samaritan and helper to all, whether it was the neighbours on Waterhouse Bay, lake friends on Lake of the Woods, or just perfect strangers. If anyone needed help or assistance, Nix always had time for you.   Nicholas was advanced well beyond his young age and he taught us all so very much. Respectful and resilient, he was determined to chart his own course and on his own terms. Nix was an unbelievable `navigator’ in knowing where he was going… whether on the water, on snowmobile trails or tromping in the bush. We will miss him dearly, but know he will continue to navigate his way in the travels beyond this world and eventually, we will meet again someday soon.   All family and friends are invited to join the immediate family for a special Celebration of Nicholas’ Life on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. in Breezy Bend Country Club, 7620 Roblin Boulevard, Headingley, Manitoba.   In lieu of flowers, Nicholas would appreciate a donation to any of the following: Manitoba Schizophrenia Society, 100 – 4 Fort Street Winnipeg, MB, R3C 1C4 or the Pediatric Oncology Unit at CancerCare Manitoba, 1160 – 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9