Mr. Nestor “Chic” Petro Chehowy left us on Sunday, July 20, 2025 at the age of 94 years.
He was born on January 29, 1931 to Charles and Mary Chehowy in Fort William, Ontario. He grew up on Finlayson Street with his four sisters and brother. After graduating from FWCI, Nestor went on to graduate from McGill, Western, North Bay and Lakehead Universities. He started teaching, moving into the role of Principal, retiring in 1987 after 34 years. Dad taught at many schools in Thunder Bay, the last two being Francis Street and Prospect Schools.
Nestor met and fell head over heels with Mary Boychuk. They married on June 29, 1957, celebrating 68 years together this year. The family doubled with twin girls in 1963. Dad was very proud of his girls and then his grandchildren.
Nestor was known to always have a joke or story to tell, and always a booming laugh to hear. Dad lived his life with passion, dedication, stubbornness, but above all with love. He was happy in his garden with his tomatoes, flowers, apples and did I mention the tomatoes? Dad was also an avid fisherman and had stories to prove it! He loved his annual fishing trip to Root River with his fishing buddies. Many stories came home from those trips - fish - not so much. Chic was also involved in many organizations throughout the years – Kinsmen, Little League football, curling and the Fort William Male Choir to name a few. Dad was an inspiration to many people, and he was accepting of everyone.
Dad and Mom travelled everywhere – with the family, the Male Choir and especially with their dear friends, Allen and Gladys Hauta.
Chic is survived by his wife Mary and daughter Susan deBoer (Jake); his grandchildren Peter deBoer (Shavonn), Amanda Graham, Alexander Graham (Nicoletta) and Benjamin Graham; his great-grandchildren Grace deBoer, Charlie Graham and Grayson, Everett and Saylor Graham, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased earlier this year by his daughter Catherine and nephew Greg Leschishin. In past years, his sisters Zena, Helen, Olga and Iris, and brother Myron.
A very special thank you to the amazing people at St. Joseph's Palliative and Hospice Care. You were compassionate and caring to Dad and the family, making a very difficult time easier.
Funeral Services for Nestor Chehowy will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 11:00am in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James, officiated by Rev. Jonathan Blanchard. A private interment will follow in Mountainview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Thunder Bay Regional Cancer Centre (payable to TBRHSF), St. Joseph's Hospital - Palliative Care Program or a charity close to your heart would be greatly appreciated.
Dad – I love you. You will always be my hero.
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