Obituary of NICHOLAS and HILDA SHYMKO

NICHOLAS SHYMKO, our dad, was described by friends as “always being a wonderful, kind and gentle soul.” He enjoyed meeting people and getting to know them one-on-one. In a group setting he was more reserved and quiet. From the time he was a boy he always loved to read and learn. He daily spent hours upon hours reading and studying the Bible and other Bible-based literature. He preferred studying rather than watching TV, as he felt watching TV was a waste of time, although he did enjoy watching a hockey game now and then with his son. HILDA, our mom, was very outgoing, and friends described her as fun-loving, always laughing or smiling. Until her health began to fail her, she was always doing something for someone – putting in a vegetable garden for an elderly neighbour, knitting something for a new baby in the congregation, embroidering a picture for a special friend, or preparing food for someone in need. Both Dad and Mom were very generous not just towards family and friends, but even to strangers. They both liked to go fishing. When they were younger they loved to dance, and they both enjoyed working together making their yard into a small version of paradise for all their friends and neighbours to enjoy. They always marvelled at Jehovah’s creation, especially the beautiful flowers and birds. But what was of utmost importance to them was their worship and service to their God Jehovah. Before their retirement years they vacationed each year for a month in Hawaii. However, they both did not view a vacation as taking time from Jehovah. So while in Hawaii, study, meeting attendance and service with the local congregation was still part of their weekly routine. Their rest and relaxation came from being in beautiful surroundings and associating with the brothers and sisters especially a particular family that they dearly loved. Dad and Mom loved and trusted Jehovah and his many promises recorded in his Word the Bible. One of their favourites is found at Isaiah 65:21-25. Another promise they treasured was the resurrection of the dead. Dad looked forward to the time when his dead relatives would be resurrected and he could teach them about Jehovah and Christ Jesus. He especially looked forward to the resurrection of his mother who died at his birth. Mom also looked forward to the resurrection to again see her parents and beloved friends who had already passed away. Both of them cherished their Bible-based hope of Jehovah God fulfilling his purpose in creating the earth and having it restored to a global paradise as he originally intended, and they looked forward to having a share in this most satisfying work. Even in their time of illness and old age our parents set a fine example for us and others. Dad, while in the hospital and then in the hospice, had a positive impact on the staff. He always showed his appreciation for everything they did for him, even the small things. Each time he would give them a warm “Thank you.” At the same time he stood his ground when it came to adhering to the Bible’s command to “abstain from blood” and refused to accept blood or treatments with blood components. Mom, even though most days she was tired, in pain, and this terrible disease called dementia hung over her like a black storm cloud, now and then her sense of humour would shine through. She would say or do something cute or funny and make those around her smile and feel uplifted. Now both Dad and Mom sleep, but very soon they will open their eyes and wake up in paradise, never to experience suffering and pain again. We look forward to that day.