RYCHYK, John 1941 - 2020 Mr. John Charles ‘Charlie’ Rychyk passed away in Red Deer, Alberta on Sunday, March 29, 2020 at the age of 78 years. Charlie was born on July 2, 1941 to Nicholas and Frances Rychyk in Peterson, Saskatchewan. He would often recall his childhood days of assisting his father with the horses and farming chores. Charlie would also reminisce about helping his mother out in the garden. He would recount old stories of his youth; such as having to sleep under a tree in a snow wind drift for an entire night with his dog. The family searched for him and finally found him the next day. Charlie eventually moved to Saskatoon, which exposed him to a whole new world. He became a self-taught musician learning the bass. In 1959, he landed a gig with Wilf Carter and Hank Snow travelling through Canada. His love and passion for playing music often took him to many small towns in rural Saskatchewan, playing and entertaining at dances into the wee hours of the morning. He also played on a TV special with Gordon Lightfoot, which unfortunately never aired. His favourite music was bluegrass and old country. Charlie worked towards obtaining his Electrical Ticket, while also improving his skills in construction, including dry walling. He had several businesses throughout his lifetime. He would often buy and sell vehicles, trailers, and whatever else had wheels. His line was "never get attached to a vehicle." In 1971, he moved with his family to Calgary, Alberta; where he worked as a car salesman for several years. Charlie eventually settled in Red Deer, Alberta, and lived there for ten years. His hobbies were buying, selling, and playing musical instruments and vehicles, and creating small inventions. He loved nature, animals, and fishing. His favourite catch was Pickerel. Charlie was not one for letting the grass grow under his feet. His spirit desired adventure, so he travelled around, always on the move. One of his favourite destinations was Mexico. He loved the lifestyle, the people, and of course, the fishing! Charlie will be deeply missed by his friends and family. Charlie will be lovingly remembered by his son, Nick and his children, Myia and Bohdin; his daughters, Loralee and her son, James, Donna and her children, Dezaree and Daniel; and his stepdaughter, Wanda and her children, Jaden and Savana; and his sister, Jean. Charlie was predeceased by a son, Calvin and his siblings, Beatrice, Pauline, Sandy and Frank. Cremation has been entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium.