Sep 9, 1952 - May 23, 2018
It is with great sadness that we share the news. A true outdoor adventurer, Rick fell in love with the North when he moved to Alaska in 1980 to pursue his first Masters degree at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. In 1982 he moved to Whitehorse, originally intending to only stay a couple years, and never left. He was a much-loved member of the Whitehorse and Yukon community, known for his love of brewing craft beer, famous winter solstice bonfire party, late night dinner parties - the spicier the food the better, and for organizing and participating in local running and outdoor sports events - the more extreme the better.
Rick lived life to the fullest with his quiet determination - running a marathon each month of the millennium year, competing in triathlons including the Ironman, ski racing across Finland (in his Carhartts), sailing in Gibraltar and the British Virgin Islands, cycling around New Zealand, hiking Baffin Island and throughout the Yukon.
Rick was Senior Hydrologist for Yukon Environment, a Senior Research Fellow with the Centre for Hydrology, research collaborator with the Global Water Futures and the Changing Cold Regions Network research programs. As an iconic Northern Hydrologist - Rick conducted research with a unique fl air, making many discoveries, promoting research in the North through the establishment of Wolf Creek Research Basin in 1992 and by hosting & participating in conferences in the North and around the world. He had been phasing into retirement after a long career as the principal Hydrologist for Yukon since 1982.
Rick's loss will be deeply felt by his wife Leslie (Gomm) of 23 years, his children Jordan (Desiree), Carlin (Gerald), Anna, his six grandchildren Josephine, Nolan, Leah, Adella, Jordyn and Cooper along with countless friends in Whitehorse, Yukon and the global scientific community.
Rick was predeceased by his parents Jozef and Anna (Piotrowicz) Janowicz of Victoria, BC.
A celebration of Rick's life will be held on June 21, 2018 at 4:00 pm at the Wolf Creek Campground Day Use Area. Bring your memories, stories and pictures of Rick to share with his friends and family.
Your pictures and stories will also be used to make a book of memories of Rick. of the sudden loss of our father, grandfather, husband, friend and respected Yukon Hydrologist, J Richard (Rick) Janowicz, on May 23, 2018 while on a cycling adventure across Washington State with a dear friend.