RUSTY (LAWRENCE HARVEY) BROATCH

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RUSTY (LAWRENCE HARVEY) BROATCH October 29, 1918 November 4, 2008 On Tuesday, November 4, 2008 Rusty passed away peacefully at the Carberry Personal Care Home at the age of 90. Rusty is survived by his wife of 59 years, Phyllis, his sister Dory who is 96, his children, Sharon, Lorry (Joanne) and Murray (Denita). Rusty was also very proud of his grandchildren Jennifer, Andrew, Mila, Lochlin, Alexandra, Shelby, Hayley and Kelson and his great-grandchildren Ethan, Jude and Lee. Born on October 29, 1918 in Moosomin, Saskatchewan, Rusty was one of seven children in the family of Algernon Percy and Bessie Darling Broatch. Rusty grew up on the family farm near Kelso Saskatchewan, beginning his education at Mundle School. He then moved to Cochrane, Alberta to live with his brother Graham. Rusty served in the Air Force during the Second World War, returning to farming following the war. In September 1949 he married Phyllis Mary Bielby. Rusty and Phyllis moved to Winnipeg in 1951 where Rusty resumed his career as an aircraft engine mechanic. Rusty worked for Standard Aero Engine and Western Engine Works until his retirement in 1983. Rusty was a dedicated community volunteer and was one of the founding members of the Red River Community Center. Rusty could be found winter and summer coaching both hockey and baseball for all the boys in the neighbourhood. On weekends he happily drove his family to campgrounds all around Manitoba and Saskatchewan, especially to the family's favourite - Child's Lake in Duck Mountain Provincial Park. Dad loved to listen to the kids singing in the back seat as he drove, occasionally insisting that they sing his favourite song Ghost Riders in the Sky . In 1980, Rusty and Phyllis decided to settle down and purchased their first cottage at Lee River. That was followed by the current family cottage at Betula Lake in 1986. All of his grandchildren have enjoyed sharing their experiences at the cottage with grandpa, fishing with him, watching him try to swim to the dock, and puttering with him in his workshop. We will all miss him, husband, father and grandpa. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and a service will be held on November 24, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at Kildonan Community Church, 2373 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to the Carberry Foundation Health Fund or to the Heart Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 08, 2008