Obituary of Richard Filek

Passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025, at the age of 90 at the Sault Area Hospital.

Richard was born on January 1, 1935, in Sault Ste. Marie to Sophie and Frank Filek. He attended Sault Technical High School and later the Provincial Institute of Trades, now known as George Brown College, where he earned his Class A Automotive Mechanic’s Licence.

On November 14, 1959, Richard married the love of his life, Joan Fewchuk. Together they shared 66 wonderful years of marriage and raised three children: Steven, Gregory, and Marnie.

Richard began his career as an apprentice mechanic at Boston Brothers GM on Queen Street. He later went into business with his brother Wallace at Filek Brothers Transmission. In 1970, the brothers opened Midas Muffler on Great Northern Road, and in 1980, Richard opened a second Midas Muffler location on Trunk Road. Through hard work, dedication, and integrity, Richard built a respected career and lasting relationships within the community.

Richard was also a proud member of the 1951–1952 Sault Rapids Ontario Championship Juvenile Hockey Club, a team commemorated with a photograph displayed in the Sault Sports Hall of Fame at Memorial Gardens.

Richard will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife Joan; his children Steven (Bibiane), Gregory (Nathalie), and Marnie (Curtis); and his cherished grandchildren Samantha, Adam, Liam, Johnathan, and Samuel. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Diane and Darryl Dias, and their children Rachel and Daniel; as well as his brother- and sister-in-law Nick and Kim Fewchuk, and their sons Robert and Bradley Fewchuk.

Richard was the youngest of three brothers and was predeceased by his two brothers, Walter “Blondie” Filek and Wallace “Wally” Filek, as well as his sister-in-law Cassie. He is survived by his sister-in-law Ester and by his nieces and nephews Marvin, Gerald, Debbie, and Paul.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758) on Friday, August 7, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., with a time of sharing at 2:30 p.m., followed by the spreading of Richard’s ashes on Lake Superior at Nils Bay — a place close to his heart where he spent many cherished moments with family and friends “at camp.”

Donations in Richard’s memory may be made to the Sault Area Hospital Critical Care Fund or the St. Vincent Place Food Bank.