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RUSSELL RHEAL ZARETSKI
Born: Oct 08, 1990
Date of Passing: Apr 22, 2019
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
RUSSELL RHEAL ZARETSKI
October 8, 1990 - April 22, 2019
Even though Russell was quiet and unassuming, in no time at all after meeting him, you would learn that he loved playing paintball, taking part in tournaments in Manitoba, Alberta and Ontario, mostly with Team Friendly. He loved drawing and while in grade school, he would often arrange drawing parties for his friends. Russell went to Ecole Précieux-Sang, Collège Louis-Riel and graduated from Nelson McIntyre High School in 2010. He took many photography courses and after a six-month internship at Art Beat Studios in 2015, where he met many other artists and made new friends, he had several exhibits of his photographs. Four of his photographs were added to the province's art collection.
Russell was very creative. Another passion of his was developing his own board game; he created each character using recycled materials and came up with the game rules. He read everything he could about developing and marketing games.
Siloam Mission, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Sscope, Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba, were some of the places where Russell volunteered. He loved camping, get-togethers with friends and family dinners.
He leaves his parents, Glenn and Louise (Ayotte), his brother Jan (Sara Maglione), his grandmothers, Elise Ayotte (late Rhéal Ayotte) and Lillian Zaretski (late Albert Zaretski), his uncles and aunts, Bruce Zaretski (Gail), Gaétan Ayotte (Karen O'Gorman), Guy Ayotte (Suzanne), as well as many cousins and friends.
We would like to thank our neighbours for their support and the first responders and police who demonstrated kindness, compassion, and exemplary service on that difficult day.
There will be a memorial service, in honour of Russell, at the Holy Family Church, 778 Archibald Street at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. The family extends an invitation to all whose life may have been touched or inspired by Russell.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, a donation may be made in Russell's memory to the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society or Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba.
Cher Russell - Tu seras toujours avec nous.
We love you very much.
May you rest in peace.
E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS
204-253-5086
ejcoutu.ca
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 27, 2019
Condolences & Memories (17 entries)
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Louise, Glen & family, we extend our deepest sympathy to the loss of your son Russell. Love Loren & Suzanne Braun xxxx/ooo Quote from Heather Strom: "My son died, but he also lived and they are equally important to acknowledge." - Posted by: Suzanne & Loren Braun (School friend with Louise Ayotte) on: May 05, 2019
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I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family. - Posted by: Luci Grechen (Friend of Jan) on: May 02, 2019
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My sincere condolences to Glenn, Louise, Jan, and those whose lives were touched by Russell. - Posted by: Joelle Lavack (Family friend) on: May 01, 2019
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Glenn and Louise and family, please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. We cannot possibly feel the pain you must be going though. Our heartfelt thoughts are with you at this sad time. - Posted by: Herb Hoellstern (Friend) on: Apr 30, 2019
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I had the privilege of having Russell in my studio working alongside his dad in music not long ago. So good to have had that experience and watching the two of them working their guitars together. My heartfelt condolences and love to Louise, Glenn, Jan and extended family at this difficult time. - Posted by: Dan Donahue (Family friend) on: Apr 30, 2019
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Although I never knew Russell as a young man I did know his parents and especially his grandmother Lil. I know the disease he fought can be devastating. I also know all his family must be devastated by this loss of such a dear young man. Being a grandmother I feel for everyone. Please accept my condolences and know that I am praying for you all but especially for Lillian. May God shine His light upon you. I will have a mass said for the repose of Russell's soul. Thinking of all of you. Sue - Posted by: Johannesson new Audette, Susanne (Friend of family ) on: Apr 30, 2019
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Russell will be sadly missed at our salon. He always had great stories to tell. Some were sad but also exciting, loving and funny. His laugh was contagious. So sorry for your loss. Goodbye our friend may you find happiness wherever you are. đź’ś Darcy Cope, Meghan Xidos, Tiffany-Lynne - Posted by: Nirvana Salon (Friend/Client) on: Apr 30, 2019
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Dear Glenn & Louise & Jan, I’m certain there are few words that could comfort you at this time. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Sending much love to you all. - Posted by: Lisa-Marie Serafin (Friend ) on: Apr 30, 2019
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Dear Louise and Glenn, I'm incredibly sorry for your loss. I remember having a lot of fun with Russell as a three year old visiting you in Winnipeg, including a visit to the zoo. And later, when your family came to visit us in Montreal more than ten years ago, I really enjoyed Russell's company as he always could teach and share new things. On vous aime, et on pense fort à votre famille. Love, Angélique - Posted by: Angelica (Goddaughter of Louise) on: Apr 30, 2019
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Am with you in thought and prayer! So sorry! Sincères sympathies! xx - Posted by: Jeannine Vermette snjm (Friend) on: Apr 29, 2019
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He will be missed. It was a pleasure to know him. I am glad my last memory of him is a hug at Christmas time when he came in to buy boots. My love and prayers to his friends and family. - Posted by: Susan Felbel (Co-worker) on: Apr 29, 2019
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My husband & I were at Canadian Footwear last year. We found our salesperson very friendly & helpful (turned out it was Russell). While paying for our purchase & making small talk, we found out - totally by accident - that our grandparents were siblings. His memère (tante Elise) & my pepère (Henri Brémaud) were brother/sister. We were both floored & very excited. We had a lovely time talking about our family tree. We are devastated to learn of his passing. Pensées & prières à vous tous. On vous envoie des gros hugs... - Posted by: Jean Gagnon & Carole Nadeau-Gagnon (petite cousine) on: Apr 29, 2019
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Glenn and Louise, I am truly sorry for your heartbreaking and precious loss. I have many fond memories of Russell at Nelson McIntyre. He always lit up when talking about his paintball escapades! May the wonderful memories you hold dear to your hearts, help you through this difficult time. - Posted by: Cathy Szarko (Nelson McIntyre staff ) on: Apr 27, 2019
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My prayers are with your family at this difficult time , Russell is a beautiful young man who will always be close in your heart . - Posted by: Wanda B (reader) on: Apr 27, 2019
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Glenn and Louise and family please accept my sincerest sympathy on the loss of your son Russell. I cannot begin to imagine your sorrow. His time here on earth was filled with challenges and happiness. May he find peace in Heaven. May you find piece in the good memories you have of your son. I wish there had been more. - Posted by: Bev Trachuk (friend) on: Apr 27, 2019
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I am so sorry for your loss. Russell was a student at École Précieux-Sang where I worked for many years as head secretary. When I recognized his name in our photography class, we struck up a conversation and reminisced about his years at school. I soon recognized his great talent in photography. Mes sincères condoléances à toute votre famille. Il repose maintenant en paix. - Posted by: Ginette Courcelles (School secretary and photography student) on: Apr 27, 2019
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We met in a group program, but it was for a short time. Luckily, we kept in touch afterward and found out we had commonalities such as music, guitar; and photography. I was really interested in going out for a day of photography with him, but I didn't act soon enough. Russ was a great guy to be with and to talk to. I offer my condolences to the family and wish them the best during their time of loss. - Posted by: Nikki Alvarez (Friend) on: Apr 27, 2019