RICHARD ROBERT CHRUSCH

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RICHARD ROBERT CHRUSCH December 10, 1944 August 3, 2009 With broken hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and gigi, Richard Robert Chrusch, who passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, August 3 at St. Boniface General Hospital after a courageous two year battle with cancer. Remaining to forever cherish Richard's memory are his wife of nearly 37 years, Shirley; son Kyle; daughters Vanessa (Tab Hurrell), Jennifer (Severyn Wojcik), Tracy, who died at infancy, and grandson Sheldon Rosentreter. Richard will also be lovingly remembered by his mother and stepfather, Mary and Ed Berthelette, special parents Adolph and Jessica Smith, and numerous brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. Richard was born in Pine Falls, MB and raised on a farm in Stead, MB in a very large family. He married Shirley in 1972 and soon after bought a small acreage in Stead to raise their family. With his friendly smile, outgoing personality, and willingness to always help out, Richard was often pursued to be involved in community events. He was a board member of the Stead Community Centre for over 20 years, a council member of Thalberg Trinity Lutheran Church for 15 years, and a leader in Beavers and Cubs for six years. However, after being diagnosed with cancer in July 2007, Richard and Shirley decided to sell their farm and move to Winnipeg. While Richard slowly adjusted to living in the city, it was never the same as Stead, and he would try and go back to visit the farm and all his friends whenever possible. Richard worked as a carman at CN Transcona Shops from 1965-1999. He took an early retirement and after staying home for a year, found a job with Manitoba Conservation as a plumber's helper at Grand Beach and also worked for Canada Post delivering mail. Richard was always an extremely hard worker and there really was no job he couldn't do. He was the family electrician, mechanic, plumber, carpenter and painter. In fact, you could often hear Richard say that if he wasn't the one building or fixing something, then it wouldn't be done right. In spite of the hard battle he faced over the last two years, Richard's strength, courage, hope and sense of humour helped carry him and his family along. He'd always be reassuring his family that everything would be OK, and cracking jokes to turn all their tears to laughter. As a father, there was never anything he wouldn't do for his kids, and this remained true even during his illness. One of his favourite memories was being able to take his family to Disney World for Christmas in 2007. But of all the memories that Richard has left, the one thing that we know his family and friends will miss the most is his laughter. You didn't have to see Richard to know he was in a room. His booming laughter caught everyone's ear and you couldn't help but smile every time you heard it. And even though Richard was taken from us way too soon, we know that he is now free from pain and suffering, and one day we will all get to hear his one-of-a-kind laugh again. Richard's funeral service will be held on Friday, August 7, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. in the Zion Lutheran Church, 403 - 1st Street North, Beausejour, MB, with Pastor Mark Koenker, presider. Interment will follow in the Transcona Cemetery, 5014 Dugald Road, Winnipeg, MB. We would like to thank all the physicians and nurses at CancerCare Manitoba and the 6th Floor Family Medicine Unit at St. Boniface General Hospital who supported Richard through his courageous battle, especially Dr. Wong, Dr. Ogaranko, Dr. Konrad and Dr. Lachman. A special thanks to all of Richard's family and friends who helped in so many ways, words cannot express our appreciation for your love and support. In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard's memory may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9 or Thalberg Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 05, 2009