MAURICE PETER KALUSHKA

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MAURICE PETER KALUSHKA Maurice Peter Kalushka of Brandon, MB, February 4, 1918 to November 11, 2002 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Maurice was born in Emerson, MB in 1918. He lived with his family in Michigan during his early childhood years. The family returned to Manitoba where they settled in Tolstoi. He attended school in Emerson and eventually studied theology at St. Andrews College in Winnipeg. Maurice then went to Normal School and got his teaching certificate in 1940. He began his teaching career in Shell Valley, where he met his future wife, Victoria. Maurice and Vicky were married November 26, 1943. Maurice received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba in 1967 and his Bachelor of Education in 1969. Throughout his teaching career, Maurice taught in many of Manitobas rural communities, Tummel, Alonsa, Brookfield, Beausejour, Cromwell, Stockton, Clearwater, Carroll and finally, Brandon, at Harrison High School. Maurice taught school for 42 years and was someone who was always firm but fair to all students. He was always available to help, to tutor or to guide. He retired in 1982. He always enjoyed meeting or hearing from his former students. A testament to his unique teaching abilities and "attitude" prompted several of his former students to create the "Kalushka Open" golf tournament held annually in Brandon much to his delight. Maurice enjoyed playing violin, hunting, baseball, fishing, golfing and curling. He was an avid Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leaf hockey fan. There was great rivalry between Maurice and his son-in-law Stan over Montreal and Toronto and there were many bets won and lost over the years. Maurice and Vicky had other activities that they enjoyed doing such as playing cards with their good friends, Mike and Mary Kozak and singing in the Rivers Ukrainian Society Choral. When Maurice retired, much to Vickys dismay, he took over her kitchen and began watching her favourite soap opera. Life was never the same! Over the years, he was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Royal Canadian Legion and the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Maurice leaves to mourn his passing his wife of 58 years Victoria (nee Burla) and his children, daughter Debbie and husband Stan Mosek of Portage la Prairie, grandchildren, Tammy, Vanessa and Jonathan; son Tim Kalushka and wife Kathy (nee Wilkins) of Winnipeg and grandchildren, Melanie and Justin; and daughter Marion and husband Mike Broda of Brandon; Maurices sister Sonja Dawybida of Windsor, ON, cousin Alice Berg; many sisters-in-law; brother-in-law; many nieces and nephews; dear friends, Ed Misanchuk, Peter Citulski and Mary Kozak; and, lastly, his cat, Precious, who will miss having breakfast with Dad. Maurice was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Barbara Kalushka of Windsor, ON. A memorial service was held at the Brockie Donovan Funeral Chapel on Friday, November 15 with Very Rev. Fr. Michael Skrumeda officiating. A private, family interment service was held at Rosewood Memorial Gardnes. Honorary pallbearers were Orest Smycniuk, Nick Pugh, Ed Misanchuk, David Rudy, Peter Citulski and Jonathan Mosek. In Maurices memory, donations may be made to the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 59-11th St. N., Brandon, MB R7A 2S3 or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, Unit 3, 824-18th St., Brandon, MB R7A 5B7. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com Arrangements were in care of Brockie Donovan, 727-0694.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 16, 2002