In Memory of

Nicholaus

Peter

Huschilt

Obituary for Dr. Nicholaus Peter Huschilt

HUSCHILT, Dr. Nicholaus Peter (Nick), FRCS(C)
Tuesday, July 19, 1932 - Sunday, November 3, 2019



Peacefully, surrounded by family at the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, Dad died after a heroic and enduring struggle with kidney disease. He was born in Kitchener, Ontario to John and Margaret (née Reitz) Huschilt. He was 87 years old.

Nick leaves behind his loving wife Patty, married 57 years, his older brother, John (Connie), his younger brother Jake (Eva), sister-in-law, Carole, brother-in-law, Ed (Anndee), his six children Patty Lynn, Paul (Julie), Mark, Margot, Kevin (Lori) and Nicole (John), his thirteen grandchildren, Madeline (Dan), Natalie (Breyane), Hayden (Rachel), Alex, Lauren, Abigail, Danielle, Charlotte, Dean, Kalista, Holly, Paul, Justin and his two cherished great-grandsons, Lennox & Jaxson, nineteen nieces and nephews and their families.

A graduate of the University of Toronto, (St. Michael's College), the University of Michigan, the University of Cincinnati and McMaster University, Nick met his wife Patty (née Devine) while doing his surgical residency at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor Michigan, where Patty was working as a nurse. They were married in Edmonton Alberta by Patty's godfather and second cousin, the Right Reverend Monsignor Joe Malone, at St. Andrew's Church on June 23, 1962. Nick and Patty spent their early married years in Hamilton, before moving to Parry Sound. Nick worked as a surgeon at the West Haldimand General Hospital beginning in 1965. In 1980, the family moved to Burlington when dad accepted the position as chief medical officer at Stelco Hilton Works in Hamilton. Dad worked as a locum tenens doctor until the age of 80.

Beginning in the early '70s, the family cottage, on Mink Lake in the Hastings Highlands, was a second home. Dad loved to see his family and friends enjoy the cottage. We treasure the memories of dad at his beloved cottage: his swims across the lake, the boat rides, bonfires, and adventures with all of our cousins and cottage friends.

Dad had a brilliant mind. He was an avid reader. He was deeply knowledgeable about many topics: history, church history, classical music, politics, and sports. He was passionate about his faith, his family and his friends. He prayed the rosary daily. Dad appreciated the beauty in the world around him: the scenery, the seasons. In his later years, Dad and Mom enjoyed travel to Florida, cruises on the Caribbean, their trip to Ireland as well as their world cruise which took them to places in Asia and Russia.

Dad enjoyed many sports: basketball, golf, tennis, and skiing. He supported his kids in figure skating and hockey. Most of all, he loved the water. All of us kids took swimming lessons. Dad and Mom were both lifeguards at the Hagersville Lions Pool. We remember camping at Haldimand Park until we built the cottage at Mink Lake.

We thank dad's family physician, Dr. Tim Salter and his nephrologist Dr. Sharn Bhandhal for their exceptional care. Thank you to the wonderful staff: doctors, nurses, volunteers and fellow patients at the Oakville, Burlington, Bancroft and Barry's Bay dialysis units. We thank the many family and friends who supported Dad and Mom, during some very heavy trials. A warm thank you to the staff at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, where he spent his final days. We especially thank Peter Perkovic, a volunteer from Acclaim Health, who came to visit my dad on a regular basis, including dad's final days in hospital.

Visitation at Smith's Funeral Home, 1167 Guelph Line (one stoplight north of QEW), Burlington (905-632-3333), is Sunday, November 10, 2019 from 3-5 and 7-9 pm. Tridentine Latin Mass, will be held in the funeral home chapel on Monday, November 11, 2019 at 10:30 am. Interment: Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 580 Old York Rd, Burlington, ON Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Our Lady of Victory Parish in London, Ontario. www.smithsfh.com

Dad, you have fought the good fight; you have run the race.
May you rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon you.