Obituary of Raymond Charles RUSK

On July 29, 2014, Raymond Charles Rusk, died peacefully in his sleep at the Foyer d' Youville, Gravelbourg, Sask. He went to be with the Lord at the age of 93. He was the eldest of four children born to Charlie and Elena Rusk. He was born December 10, 1920, on the family farm in the district of Woodrow, Sask. In his early years he learned to milk cows, water the garden using the horse and stone boat with a barrel and pail. He attended Belmuir School where he enjoyed learning, playing ball, competing in track and field events, ice skating and hockey. The family attended church services in the Belmuir Hall. He learned very early the importance of respect for his family, neighbors and the elderly. In 1941, he became the manager of the Woodrow Co-op, where he worked during the daytime and farmed at night. On April 11, 1942 he married his childhood sweetheart, June Chisholm and they moved to his parent's family farm south of Woodrow. He was a tireless worker, who cherished the land and all animals, especially his horses and cattle. He enjoyed reading, fishing, music, playing his guitar, and found great fun creating a little mischief playing tricks on his family and friends. He was a Councillor and later Reeve for the RM of Wood River Division 3. He was dedicated member of the Woodrow Gospel Chapel, and was an ordained deacon. He was a member of the Gideon's of Canada and served in almost all areas in the Gideon Ministry. Raymond loved to have company and enjoyed visiting with family and friends. He deeply loved his grandchildren and showered each of them with love and affection. Raymond and June's home was a place of warm and gracious hospitality. Raymond and June moved into Woodrow in 1973 and their home became a place for coffee and conversation. In 1994, they moved to Assiniboia. They enjoyed being part of the Dominion Road Baptist Church and spending time with others. Raymond was deeply loved and respected by his family. Material things were not important to Raymond, his true loves were his God, his family, his church, his friends and reaching out to people and sharing his faith. We give thanks for his strong faith, his kind and caring values, his many accomplishments and his unconditional love for his family and all others. On November 1, 2005, June went to be with the Lord and Raymond looked forward to seeing his heavenly home and his beloved wife. May his family rejoice and find comfort that this is not the end of life, but a wonderful new beginning. Raymond is predeceased by his wife June of 63 years; infant son; son Clifford; parents Charles and Elena Rusk; sister Wilda; brother Jack. Raymond will be lovingly remembered by his children, Donna Fortnum of Saskatoon, SK, Jonne (Leonard) Johnson of Congress, SK, Bob (Deldeen) and daughter-in-law Sharon Rusk all of Woodrow, SK; 10 grandchildren, David (Jo-Ann) Fortnum, Marilyn (Daryl) Schmidt, Jeannette (Steven) Tomtene, Monty (Kimberley) Johnson, Travis (Lori) Johnson, Terry (Tena) Rusk, Kimberly Rusk, Krista Rusk, Ray (Dallas) Rusk, Avery (Sheraea) Rusk; 18 great grandchildren, Sarah (Blair) Strautman and great great granddaughter Blakely, Jessica and Bradley Tomtene, Kayla and Ryan Schmidt, Matthew and Daniel Fortnum; Matthew, Larea and Carter Johnson; Taylor, Leighton and Caleb Johnson; Kayla, Tyler, Taylor and Alyshia Rusk, Shane Rusk; sister Isabelle Barten of Salmon Arm, BC; sister-in-law Luella Chisholm of Woodrow, SK, and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, August 6, 2014, at 1:00 p.m., at Piche-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapel, Assiniboia, SK. Officiants were Reverend Ralph Gliege and Pastor Rick Hawreschuk. Soloist Gay Kurtz sang "Another Soldier’s Coming Home” and "Sheltered in the Arms of God.” Pianist was David Kurtz. Tribute was shared by Bob Rusk. Interment took place at the Woodrow Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers were "All Raymond’s many friends throughout the years.” Pallbearers were Raymond’s Great Grandchildren. Gifts to honour the memory of Raymond may be given to the Gideon Society.