October 18, 1936 - July 29, 2018
Carl Hycha was born on the farm in Preeceville, Saskatchewan on October 18, 1936, the only son of Frank and Mary Hycha. He passed away on July 29, 2018 in Smithers BC after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer.
In 1963 he met Claudette. They were married in New Brunswick in July 1964. He worked for Mannix Construction after high school until 1970 as their warehouse manager and chief expeditor, and his growing family was uprooted many times in the early years from the Canadian Rockies to Newfoundland. With Mannix, he had a part in the construction of the many major roads, bridges, and power projects that helped shape our great country.
In 1970 he moved his family to the Bulkley Valley to make a permanent home and opened up a hardware store called Macleods True Value. Customer service was a priority, and he took this very seriously. Many of his loyal customers became his very dear friends along the way.
Carl loved to work, and he gave 110% to everything he put his hands on, going the extra mile was common practise. He enjoyed a challenge, and after hours he studied locksmithing, eventually becoming a Certified Locksmith. When it was time to close the store down in 2000, he was not ready for retirement. He built a brand-new shop and office for his locksmith business, diversified and bought machinery to sharpen "anything with an edge," and opened up "Carl's Sharp Shop."
He ran this new venture until the day he no longer had the energy to continue, giving his family how-to instructions from his hospital bed.
Carl's "down time" was not spent on extravagant trips or holidays. He found joy and peace at home with family, friends, his shop, lawns, garden and greenhouse. He always had a dog by his side, his "boys" were faithful and true companions. Fishing and camping at the abundant and beautiful lakes in the area was something his whole family enjoyed, and many wonderful memories were made during these trips.
Carl leaves to mourn his wife of 54 years, Claudette, daughter Carlene, son David, and grandchildren Roslynne, Thomas, Cole, and Dylan. He touched the lives, locks, and blades of many, and will be dearly missed.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 9th at 1:00 pm at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Smithers. Refreshments will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a local charity of your choice.