NICK CIZIK

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NICK CIZIK December 17,1924 - July 31, 2007 On July 31, 2007, at Seven Oaks Hospital, Nick Cizik, 82 years old, passed away. Nick was born in Winnipeg and was predeceased by his father, Joseph Cizik, and mother, Minnie Bilyk. He was the youngest of three children, Kay (sister) and John (brother). His early education was in Winnipeg and continued on in Lorette, Manitoba, when his family moved there. He was schooled by the nuns and became an alter boy. His mother's dream for him was priesthood; however, at the young age of 15 years, he left the farm to pursue his dream of becoming a jockey. He rode his first race in 1939 at Whittier Park. He was the leading apprentice rider in 1940. He enjoyed a great deal of success in the early 1940s, riding in Western Canada, California, and Mexico. From 1943 to 1946, Nick served overseas in the Canadian Army with the Algonquin Regiment. He saw action in Belgium, Holland, and Germany where he was wounded and eventually lost a finger. Soon after his discharge in 1946, he returned to his passion of race horses. He trained horses for a couple of years before resuming his riding career in 1949. In the 1950s, he again rode many winners and when people asked him how many career wins he had, he would say, Lots - way too many to count. In 1950, he met the love of his lifetime, Ethel Riediger. In November of 1951, they were married. In August of 1952, they were blessed with a son (John), and in June of 1955, a daughter (Debra). In July of 1955, the day after his daughter's birth, Nick won The Winnipeg Futurity Race, a race he often spoke about. In 1958, after constant weight battles, he hung up his tack and became custodian of the jockey's room at Assiniboia Downs; however, he still continued to gallop horses in the off season. 1963 saw him appointed starter at the Downs, a position he held for many years. After he left the Downs, he worked a few years for Birt Saddlery Company and then finally retired. The love of the races never left him and occasionally, you could find him at the track making a bet or two. Throughout his lifetime Nick enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, barbecuing and he was always up for parties and family gatherings. Truly the life of the party. In 2001, Ethel (his wife) passed away, just a few days shy of their 50th wedding anniversary. Nick had a daughter-in-law (Debbie), a son-in-law (Ken) and four grandchildren, Kimberley and Amanda from Langley, BC, and Nikki (named after Nick) and Kirt of Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was so proud of them all. He made visits to British Columbia to see them and you could always find him in the stands, cheering on Nikki and Kirt in whatever sport. When Kirt pursued hockey, Nick was always at the arenas - so proud of his grandson. Nick met many people, made many friends, and accomplished so much. He loved his life and lived it as well with no regrets. Our thanks to Dr. Grant and Dr. Fatoye and the staff of level 3 who cared for Nick at Seven Oaks Hospital, also his homecare workers, Lisa and David. Thanks to all the staff at Amber Meadows, especially Rick and Lynn. Donations may be made to Legion 141, Selkirk Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba. A service for Nick will be held on August 10, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. P.S. - Love Ya! Arrangements entrusted to: Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 08, 2007