Big Nickel creator remembered as dedicated family man

Ted Szilva was most well known as the creator of the Big Nickel and for his charitable work, but to his daughter Elizabeth Szilva, his most important role was father.

Szilva's friends and family quickly filled up St. Patrick's Church on Walford Road for his funeral Monday morning.

In her eulogy, Elizabeth said that while her father was a larger than life figure to the community, what he valued most of all was his five children and wife Betty.

He was a man who enjoyed life, his daughter said, and loved to go blueberry picking with his children, and later, his seven grandchildren.

Szilva had always been fascinated by the universe, and dreamed of travelling to the stars, Elizabeth said.

Although he was not a great singer, that never stopped him from belting out a tune on many occasions, she added.

“He was and is my best friend,” Elizabeth said. “He made everyone feel wanted and appreciated.”

Szilva died at the age of 81 after months of illness, including a battle with leukemia, heart disease and diabetes.

He was a man of strong faith, and an active member of the St. Patrick's Parish.

Pope Francis recently recognized Szilva as a Knight of the Papal Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great, for his life of service “to the Holy See, the Roman Catholic Church and to his community and his country.”

Szilva was awarded the Order of Ontario in 2009 and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Laurentian University in 2010.

He sat on numerous boards in Greater Sudburye, was founding president of the Blue Door Soup Kitchen, and helped establish L'Arche Community in Sudbury.

Instead of flowers, those who attended his funeral were encouraged to donate to either organization.