Obituary of Russell Pastuck

Russell Pastuck passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at the age of 96 years, after a long and fulfilling life. He spent the last two years in Calgary in the loving care of his daughter Maureen and her husband Ken. Russell was the eldest child born to Anton and Maria Pastuck in Winnipeg. He graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1933 and received his Master’s degree in Education from the University of Minnesota in 1955. He taught for forty years, twenty-eight of them at St. John’s High School in Winnipeg as the physical education teacher. Education was very important to Russell and he spent his entire life learning and teaching in various capacities. Russell had an impact on those he met throughout his life and left a lasting impression right up to his final days. He was very proud of his children’s and grandchildren’s achievements. Russell and Hilda retired to Abbotsford, B.C. in 1973 where they enjoyed their acreage and new friendships. He took great pleasure in caring for his animals, gardening, painting, golfing and many other activities. Russell is survived by his wife Hilda of Abbotsford, BC; his children Richard (Lena) of Tallahassee, FL, Doug (Vicki) of Winnipeg, MB, and Maureen (Ken) Parker of Calgary; his grandchildren, Ruth Anne (Matt) of Tallahassee, Kerry Parker Smith (Paul) of Vancouver, BC, Michael (Sue) Parker of Calgary, and Daniel of Winnipeg; his stepdaughters, Joan (Norm deceased) Rogers of Brooks, AB and Maureen (Eric) Janzen of Abbotsford, BC and their families; his sister Tiny Patton of Toronto, ON and Olga Dedick of Winnipeg, and many nieces and nephews. Russell was predeceased by his beloved wife Ruth in 1963 and his sisters Anne and Carla. A Memorial Service will be held in Winnipeg at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to Special Olympics Calgary, 3676 – 48th Ave. N.E., Calgary, AB T3J 5C8 Telephone: (403) 735 – 1022. The family extends sincere thanks to the staff at Foothills Special Services 4th Floor Day Medicine, Parkland Unit at Southwood Care Centre and especially Jennifer Johnson of We Care. His tablemates at Southwood Care Centre watched over him with love and respect. In living memory of Russell Pastuck, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.