Skip to content

October 7, 1929 - December 29, 2018
It is with immense grief that we announce the passing of Nick Koochin on December 29th, 2018. He was born in Glade, British Columbia on October 7th, 1929 and spent all but a few years of his life living in Castlegar.

Nick was tough but kind, serious but funny and was a master storyteller. Simply by the way he lived he passed on lessons that shaped everyone in his life. A choice few of those lessons follow:

1. Always carry a pocket knife.

2. If your family needs a home and you have never built a house before just build one anyways. Hard work makes most things attainable.

3. It is entirely possible to wake up one morning, decide to never smoke or drink again, and stick to that decision for the next 40 years.

4. Remember stories from your life. To your grandchildren they will be amazing tales of a past they can hardly imagine. The degree of acceptable embellishment raises with your age.

5. Spoil your grandkids by taking them on trips with you. They will remember it forever and your own son or daughter will be eternally grateful for their own kid free holiday.

6. If the choice comes up between working for free or a neighbour having to sleep in the cold, do the work every time. Even if the work needs to be done in the middle of the night or the person needs to pay in chickens, help them, simply because it is the right thing to do.

7. Whether you have been married for 6 months or 66 years, treat your wife as what she is: the most cherished and important person in your life.

Nick is survived by Elsie, his patient and loving wife of 66 years, and his children, Phil (Valerie), Steve (Tracy) and Lisa (Dennis). He will also be greatly missed by his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family.

A service will be held in the Spring although details have not been decided upon at this time.

Castlegar Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.
 Castlegar Funeral Chapel



Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.