NORMAN OKRUSKO

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NORMAN OKRUSKO Norman Okrusko passed away peacefully at Concordia Hospital on February 1, 2008. He was predeceased by his wife Betty (Turner) Okrusko, his brothers Michael, Andrew and Peter, and his sister Anne (Salki). He is survived by his brother William (Nadia) Okrusko, his sister Eleanor Porbanic, brother-in-law William Salki, and sister-in-law Eugenie Okrusko. He will be missed by his many nieces and nephews in Canada, USA, Australia, Scotland and England. Norman was born at home on Manitoba Avenue, Winnipeg, on September 28, 1922 in Winnipeg, the sixth in a family of eight children. In his youth, he spent endless hours playing with friends at the Exhibition Grounds across from the family home on Selkirk Avenue. He matriculated from Isaac Newton High School, later completing technical courses at Red River Community College. He met and married Betty in Winnipeg in 1952 after a three month courtship, and during their happy years together enjoyed visiting relatives around the world. He worked at CN Rail from 1943 until his retirement in 1983 and was thankful for the good health that kept him at work on all but two days over those 40 years. Norman lived his entire life in Winnipeg's north-end and was devoted to the community. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, humility, and compassion for the less fortunate, traits instilled by caring parents who understood hardship. Raised in a loving home that celebrated family, Norman enjoyed treating his family to special New Year's Day festivities. Reflecting his north-end roots, he planted and cared for his vegetable garden and shared produce with all. Some of his happiest moments were spent training and recording his budgie birds, listening to bagpipe music, fixing TVs for friends, and communicating with ham radio operators around the world. He was an avid reader of scientific magazines and loved a good discussion. After retirement, he acquired a passion for dancing with the Strathcona Pattern Dancers and was always pleased to demonstrate new steps at family gatherings. He met two wonderful dance partners, Olga Hotzak and Judy Gordon who often attended family occasions. Holding a special place in his life, Norman's dance group helped him celebrate his 85th birthday. The family truly appreciates the care and compassion shown to Norman by the staff at Concordia Hospital. A memorial service is being planned for mid April and details will be announced at a later date. BARDAL FUNERAL HOME 843 Sherbrook Street, 774-7474 Ample Parking Behind Funeral Home Condolences: www.bardal.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 06, 2008