RUSSEL PETER WAYTIUK

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RUSSEL PETER WAYTIUK It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of our dearest Russel on May 23, 2009 at the age of 57. With his family by his side, Russel passed away peacefully and he is now at rest. Russel will always be remembered by his partner Janet Dyrda, his children, daughter Kerri (Jason) and son Kelly (Holly) and his beautiful grandson Alex; his parents Victor and Anne Watko and his siblings, brother Kenneth (Donna), sister Peggy (Dennis) Craplewe and sister Denise (Derek) Webber. He also leaves to mourn many nephews and nieces as well as many good friends. Russel was predeceased by his father Peter in 1958 and an infant brother Patrick, as well as his maternal and paternal grandparents. He was born in Selkirk in 1951 and grew up on the farm in Walkleyberg, as a child he grew up farming the land with his father. He told his children he always looked up to his brother and always wanted to go everywhere with him. He attended Lilydale school for Grades 1 through 8 and then went on to graduate from Selkirk Collegiate in 1969. After high school he attended Red River College and became a machinist. He had tried his hand at several places of employment in his younger years including Subterranean, Selkirk Machine shop and later at the Manitoba Rolling Mills. In all this time he continued working with his father on the farm helping with spring seed and fall harvest. In 1997 he decided to go back to Red River College and graduated in 2000 with a degree in Civil Engineering, this degree took him to work in Flin Flon for several years with the Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company. He chose to give this up to move home to be close to his family. Russel loved working with large machinery and went on to work at Wakshinsky Bros. which is where he continued to work up until his illness. Russel was a wonderful man. His presence always lit up a room. With his warm personality, the kindness he showed made you feel like you had known him all your life. He loved a good conversation, whether at coffee time with friends, reminiscing about the good old days or with someone he had just met. Russ's kind generous nature and sense of humour will never be forgotten. He cherished his family, what family stood for, and what love stood for. He believed in hard work, value and the feeling of the earth in his hands. He loved many things in his all too short life, but more than anything he loved hunting with his best buddy and partner in crime, Dennis...we heard all the stories of these two in action and will continue to share a giggle now and then, golfing with his two boys, fishing, which he and Janet tried doing as often as they could. Going for long rides in the countryside, which he started doing when his children were little, they had great adventures with their dad. Many hours were spent working in the yard with his old Simplicity tractor, and nothing was as good as a meal shared with family and friends. Russ became ill with Leukemia in the fall of 2008, he challenged the disease head on and was determined to beat it. Although the treatments were difficult, he battled courageously and with dignity. But in the end complications from the disease claimed his life. At this time we would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the staff at GD6, Dr. Rubinger and his staff, Dr. Oppenheimer and the staff at S.I.C.U. at Health Sciences Centre who diligently cared for Russel during his last days. As per Russel's request cremation has taken place, and a memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, May 29 in the Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Anton Bouw officiating. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the GD6 Hopefund, Health Sciences Center in Russel's memory. The clock of life is wound but once, And no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop, On what day or what hour, Now is the only time you have, So love it...live it with a will, Don't wait until tomorrow, The hands may then be still. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 26, 2009