Obituary: Rick Sowieta

Sowieta, Richard ‘Rick’

Of Ottawa passed away, Saturday, August 26, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer. Rick is survived by his loving wife Jenny, daughters, Sara (Stephen) and Katie (Jason), grandchildren Tegan and Fiona, step-children Ryan and Kyra, his brother Joe, sister-in-law Bridget and niece Janice (Glen). Rick came to Canada with his parents and brother as a small boy from his birthplace in Belgium settling in the heart of Ottawa, the Glebe. Football quickly became a passion and it took him to Richmond, Virginia to play for the Spiders during his college years. Rick began his professional football career with the Toronto Argonauts (1977-78) and then coming back to his childhood home playing as number 75 for the Ottawa Rough Riders for 8 seasons. He will be remembered as an aggressive and tough linebacker by both teammates and opponents. Rick’s passion expanded to food after his football career opening Rick’s Cantina for 15 years. He will always be remembered for his exceptional cooking skills and love of trying new and exciting dishes. Football stayed as an important aspect of his life coaching many high school and minor league teams in the community. His impact on the lives of youth in the community is everlasting and he encourages others to take the opportunity to coach a team. Rick remained a true fighter throughout his battle with pancreatic cancer. He became involved in raising awareness of this deadly disease and didn’t stop living a full life throughout his last few weeks. His influence on the community was evident when he received overwhelming support towards surgery in Germany earlier this year and we were all truly touched by that support. We would also like to express our sincere thanks for the exceptional care provided by the Cancer Centre at the Ottawa General Hospital. The family will receive friends for visitation at Sunnyside Wesleyan Church, 58 Grosvenor Avenue at Sunnyside after 1 pm, on Saturday, September 2, 2017, followed by a celebration of Rick`s life at 2 pm. A reception will follow at the Prescott on Preston Street, where we can raise a pint and toast Rick.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Pancreatic Cancer Canada would be appreciated.