The world feels a little heavier without the laughter, kindness, and generosity of , who touched countless lives throughout his 93 years.
Nicholas was born to John and Malanka Krasiy on May 12, 1933, on the family farm in Ethelbert, Manitoba. The second oldest of seven children, Dad’s stories of life on the farm were filled with hard work and challenges but also good times and togetherness. The child of Ukrainian immigrants who chose Canada as their adopted home, he was always proud to be Canadian.
Eager to see more of the country, he left Ethelbert at age 17, briefly living in Ontario before eventually making his way west to British Columbia, where he would start a family and spend the rest of his life.
Dad rarely spoke about those early years away from Manitoba, often downplaying the adventures he must have had and focusing instead on the present. In BC, Nicholas became known as Neil, legally changing his name in 1957 and beginning a career with BC Tel. His work at the telephone company brought lifelong friendships, opportunities to travel to remote areas of the province and eventually led him to Donna, the daughter of his supervisor in Dawson Creek.
Neil and Donna married and remained in the Peace region for a few years, raising their young children, Cindy and Sean, before an opportunity to move to Vancouver Island arose. Dad had always loved the idea of living on “the Island,” and in 1968, his dream came true. The family of four packed up and moved to Courtenay, where they welcomed a third child, Lannea, in 1971.
In Courtenay, Dad was able to combine his two loves—family and sports. He volunteered as a director with the Courtenay Recreation Association (CRA) and held local leadership positions with minor hockey and baseball. Together, Mom and Dad spent years cheering on their kids’ endeavours, driving to gymnastics and dance competitions, hockey, baseball and volleyball games, up and down ski mountains, across provinces and down to the States to support their kids’ activities. They gave so much of their time and gained a loyal friend group in the process.
Dad spent the remainder of his career in Courtenay with BC Tel, retiring in May 1993 after 36 years of service. He was deeply proud of his career and wore his most prized possession, his BC Tel watch, on his wrist until his very last day.
After two decades together, Mom and Dad divorced amicably. They remained friendly, attending weddings, graduations, and other family celebrations together. Family meant everything to Dad. In retirement, he spent his time travelling to visit loved ones, taking gambling trips “down south,” volunteering with the Telephone Pioneers and installing Lifeline systems for seniors in Courtenay and Penticton.
With all three of his children living off the Island, Dad eventually moved to BC’s Okanagan region, first to Penticton and later to Kelowna. Over time, he stepped away from his volunteer work and embraced a quieter pace of life, enjoying coffee with friends and cheering on his favourite sports teams.
Dad spent his final months at Spring Valley Care Centre and passed away peacefully on August 25, 2026. He will be remembered for his wonderful spirit, kind heart and easygoing nature. His love of family and the connections he built throughout his life are part of the legacy he leaves behind.
Dad is lovingly remembered by his children: Cindy (Rob) of Morinville, AB, Sean of North Vancouver, BC, and Lannea (Steve) of Kelowna, BC; his grandchildren, Jordan (Sarah), Michael, Sheneece, Alyssa, Lily, and Declan; and his great-grandson, Damian. He is also survived by his sisters, Sylvia Yarema, Jean Bach and Mary (Mike) Hordeski; along with many extended family members and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, John and Malanka Krasiy; brothers, Morris and Michael Krassey, sister, Anne Deleau; and his daughter-in-law, Leanne Krassey.
A special thank you to Dr. Bobyn and the staff of Spring Valley Care Centre, for the compassionate care they provided throughout his later months.
At Dad’s request, there will be no service.
