Obituaries

NICHOLAS “NICK” SULAVELLA

Sadly, on February 13, 2026, at Deer Lodge Centre, Nicholas “Nick” Sulavella passed away at the age of 104, having recently celebrated his birthday.

Nick was born on December 16, 1921, in Brooklands, Winnipeg, the youngest of six children born to Anna and Ignacius, who immigrated to Canada in the early 1900s from Ukraine/Poland/Russia via Hamburg. He grew up and attended school in Winnipeg and was an avid sportsman, participating in hockey, golf, curling, and cross-country skiing. He played semi-professional hockey in Winnipeg and was once invited to a CHL tryout — but life got in the way.

Conscripted into the Canadian Army in the early 1940s, Nick served with the Cameron Highlanders Infantry in the Netherlands during WWII. Like many of his generation, he rarely spoke of his wartime experiences. The sound of bagpipes could bring back sad memories.

After returning home, he met the love of his life, Eveline, at the Winnipeg Roller Rink on Portage Avenue. A proud “French girl” from St. Boniface, she married Nick on July 28, 1951. Together, they built a loving home in north Winnipeg, later moving to the south side of the Assiniboine River. They enjoyed dancing, travelling, and sharing good times with family and friends.

Following his military service, Nick worked as a welder before joining the Winnipeg Fire Department, retiring in 1984 at the rank of District Chief. Highly respected by his colleagues, he formed many lifelong friendships. Once retired, Nick’s second career began — golfing! He played a minimum of 100 games a year well into his 80s.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Nick treasured time spent with his family. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Eveline, in October 2018, and by his siblings Mary, Katherine, Joseph, Alex, Olga, and Anastasia. He is lovingly remembered by his son Terry (Carla); daughter Diane; grandchildren Travis and Madison Sulavella, Adrienne, Ian (Brittany), and Jocelyne (Chris) Quane; great-grandchildren Kendal, Vaila, and Alijah; and his niece Donna Elvers (Gord).

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Tower 7 at Deer Lodge Centre for their compassionate care.

A memorial service will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Fire Department Burn Fund, the Salvation Army, or Tower 7 at Deer Lodge Centre.

Nick lived a long and full life, witnessing many changes in the world. He will be remembered with love and is now at peace.

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