DESMOND JAMES RISTO

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DESMOND JAMES RISTO It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Desmond James Risto, at his home with his loving wife by his side, on November 5, 2011. Des is survived by his wife of 54 years, Evelyn, together with his son William (Brenda), two grandchildren Kyle (Amy) and Lindsay (Francois), sister Beverly of Niagara Falls and numerous family members and friends. Des was predeceased by his son Kenneth James. Desmond was born April 25, 1930 in Ottawa and moved to Niagara Falls at a very young age with his parents where he was raised and educated. Fulfilling a lifelong ambition, in October 1949, Des became a member of the R.C.M.P. Upon graduation from Regina, SK and Rockcliffe, ON he was posted to Winnipeg and served the force for 24 years before retiring in 1973. He served at various detachments in Manitoba: including Arborg, Ashern, Gimli, Winnipeg Beach, Selkirk, Elphinstone, Headlingley, Winnipeg Highway Patrol, Steinbach and the Winnipeg International Airport. Upon retirement from the R.C.M.P. Des became the first Supervisor of Policing and Security at Winnipeg International Airport, and served for eight years. He then served an additional 12 years at Transport Canada as Regional Safety and Emergency Planning Officer for the region of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Northwest Ontario and North West Territories. In 1957, Des married the love of his life Evelyn (Ruchotski) and along the way were blessed with William and Kenneth. Together they became members of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Windsor Park, where Des served as their Treasurer for over 20 years. Des enjoyed many hours at the lake with family and friends. He was never one to pass up a happy hour and good conversation. His greatest treasures in life were his wife Evelyn, his children and sharing time with his grandchildren and experiencing the joy of watching them grow up. He was a member of the Masonic Fraternity and rose to the position of District Deputy Grand Master of the 10th Masonic District, the largest in Manitoba. Des was also a Past-President of the Past Masters Association of Manitoba, as well as a life member of the Khartum Temple Provost Corp having served as their Captain and President on several occasions. In 2008, he was presented with a long service award by the R.C.M.P. Veterans' Association. Desmond was an ardent sports enthusiast, participating in basketball, Senior B' baseball, golfing, fastball, curling, football and boxing, receiving various awards and championships in his competitive days. He also took great pride in his home projects of construction, wood working and refinishing. Funeral Service will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 930 Winakwa Road, Winnipeg, at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 10, 2011 with Pastor Stacy Moroz officiating. Interment will take place at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens following service. Contributions in Desmond's memory may be directed to Prince of Peace Memorial Fund, 930 Winakwa Rd., Winnipeg, MB R2J 1E7. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE (204)949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 08, 2011