Obituary for the late Thomas Geza Szajko S.C.

Dec. 9, 1967 – Dec. 1, 2017

On Friday, December 1, 2017, Mr. Thomas Geza Szajko S.C. of Oliver passed away suddenly at his home at the age of 49 years. He was predeceased by his parents Geza and Josie Szajko.
Tom will be fondly remembered by his loving family including wife Michelle; children Ashley, Derick and Connor; stepsons Harley and Blake; grandson Jack; sister Tammy; nephew Smith and niece Maryann.
Tom spent most of his working career as a roofer. He enjoyed hunting and antique picking.
Tom was awarded the Star of Courage from the Governor General.
“Mr. Szajko repeatedly entered a burning house to save six people in Oliver, British Columbia, on June 18, 1994. While driving by, he noticed a house on fire and immediately stopped, ran to the house and kicked open the front door. After helping five of the occupants out of the building, he learned there was a woman still inside. Unsure of where she was, he entered several times to search for her in the dense smoke. Finally, he heard a call for help and was able to locate the woman. As he reached her, an explosion sent the two backwards. The heat and smoke increased in intensity, but Mr. Szajko was able to drag the severely burned woman to the door where others assisted in pulling her out.”
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Wednesday December 13, 2017 at the Oliver Elks Hall. Interment and committal will follow at the Oliver Municipal Cemetery. Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver & Osoyoos