David John Hrechkosy

David John Hrechkosy

"The Wrecker"

"I was sent down here to entertain all you Americans", was the way David John “The Wrecker” Hrechkosy conducted his life with his family, friends, and confidants. He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada to John Hrechkosy and Vera Lucyk Hrechkosy on November 1, 1951, "all saints day" which he considered "his" day. He died March 7, 2012 from complications of glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer diagnosed August 3, 2011.

He grew up with a stick in one hand and the ice at his feet in his backyard. Dave ate, drank, and dreamt hockey as a youngster and played the sax on the side. At a young age he left home to play junior hockey in Bellingham, Washington. He signed his first NHL contract with the New York Rangers in 1972 at the age of 21. He went on to play 5 years in the NHL playing for the St. Louis Blues, California Golden Seals, and in the minors with the New Haven Nighthawks, and Salt Lake Golden Eagles. One fateful night while playing with the Salt Lake Golden Eagles, he met his soul mate and best friend Terri Tapp. They wed on June 9, 1979 in Winnipeg. They were lucky enough to spend the next 32 years together laughing, partying, and living every day as big as possible with each other. Upon Dave's retirement from his hockey career Dave and Terri settled in Salt Lake City and he began working for Coca Cola. He made many lasting friendships through his employment there, which led him to his next endeavor at the University of Utah athletics department as the Concessions Manager. On April 1, 2004 he was recruited by Texas A&M University to run their multi-million dollar athletic concession's department. Dave fell in love with Texas A&M and the "Spirit of Aggieland". He lived every day for the Aggies, and every event he worked he poured his heart and soul into. He had to retire due to his illness after seeing the Aggies join the SEC.

Dave and Terri were blessed with two amazing children, Macey Ann and Garry David. They had many great times in the Catholic School system, running the Home and School Board at Our Lady of Lourdes. Some of their favorite memories were watching Macey play basketball at Judge Memorial, and watching Garry play football for Juan Diego. Their proudest moments were when they saw each one of their children receive their degrees from the University of Utah.  

Dave loved living life to its fullest whether it was celebrating the fourth of July with neighbors, family, and friends, golfing with "the Buzzards", fishing with his cousins on Lake Winnipeg, watching the Kentucky Derby, or jet setting with his wife to San Diego, San Francisco, Vegas, New Orleans, and Mexico. Dave always said I will have no regrets, and there is no doubt that he had none.

Dave is survived by his soul mate Terri; their children Macey Ann and Garry David (Jill); his sister Valerie (Cliff),; brother Donald (Joanne); his in laws Garry and Lynn Tapp; sisters in law Lesia (Ron) and Stephanie (Vince); nieces and nephews; his faithful furry companions Elizabeth and Brusier; and grand dogs Henry and Lucy.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents, and dear friend Gary Barber.

Please join us for a grand celebration of Dave's life on Monday March 12 from 6-8pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Church on Tuesday March 13 at 10:30am with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Catholic Community Services of Utah and the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake and St. Joseph's Hospital and Cancer Center in College Station for their exceptional care during this difficult time.