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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
RUSNAK, John (Rusty) - It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our Dad, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather on November 13, 2013, with his family at his side. Dad's love of life and fierce determination stayed with him to the end. Dad was predeceased by his daughter Debra Joan, father George, mother Paulina (Derkach), brother Bill, wife Bernice, and son John Jr. He leaves to mourn his daughter Donna (Eugene), son Doug (Gladys), daughter-in-law Olga (John), granddaughters Karen (Mike), Gina, Darlene (Derek), and his great-grandsons Marcus, Aaron, and Nicholas. Dad's parents, George and Polly Rusnak, immigrated from Austria in the late 1800s and settled in Winnipeg briefly before buying their family homestead in Birds Hill, MB. Dad worked the family farm until 1943 when, at the age of 17, he joined the R.C.A.F. seeking adventure and trained as a Wireless Air Gunner in the British Commonwealth Air Training Program. During his training Dad managed to eliminate a herd of cattle on a farmer's field in the prairies, which his Air Force buddies never let him live down. After the war ended, Dad retired from the R.C.A.F. (Sargeant) and subsequently joined the Navy and served as a Communications Officer. In 1948, while stationed in Nova Scotia, Dad met and married his soulmate, our mom Bernice, or "Pudge" as was his affectionate name for her. Together they had four children, Donna, John Jr., Douglas and Debra. During his military career, Dad travelled many places and always returned with stories and gifts from far away ports. Dad was a proud seaman and would take his kids aboard his aircraft carrier and show them all the aspects of his job on the ship. While stationed at Naval base Stadacona in Halifax, Dad packed up the family many times for the 8300 km round trip from Halifax to Winnipeg. Dad, mom, three kids and a dog in a small VW Bug, a trying trip for sure but the best of times. Dad was a dedicated, loving father. While growing up, nothing was more important to him than his children completing their homework to get a good education, and tutoring them in math. It was not uncommon to see Dad tutoring his children even as they continued their studies in adult life. Dad never pushed his opinions, but he was always there for guidance and wisdom if you asked. He raised his children, building their characters on his own ethics of right and wrong. In 1969, after retiring from the Navy (Chief Petty Officer 1st Class), Dad moved his family to Winnipeg to assist his ailing mother with the family farm. He attended Red River College and graduated with a Diploma in Electronics Engineering, subsequently working with Admiral TV until they shut down and dad took early retirement. A loyal member of Royal Canadian Legion #141 for 26 years, Dad loved to polka and attended the Legion every Saturday afternoon to enjoy this pastime and the company of his friends. Dad's favourite pleasures were simple but rich. He loved playing the guitar and the harmonica, dancing and any sports from the WWF to Bonspiels, but his biggest pleasures were times spent with his family and friends. A memorial gathering will be held on Monday, November 18 at 11:00 a.m at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Special thanks to the Seven Oaks medical staff and support group for their months of care for our Dad. Cropo Funeral Chapel (The Winnipeg Free Press 16 Nov 2013)
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