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MELVIN (AMELIAN) RUSIECKI

MELVIN (AMELIAN) RUSIECKI

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Melvin Rusiecki on February 16, 2019 at the age of 81 years old.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 58 years Kaisu (Kathy), son Peter (Debi), daughter Maria Hall (Don) and grandchildren Geoff, Amy, Lauren (James) and Annie. He is also survived by his sister Sonia Burdz and brother-in-law Esko (Tytti) and well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Melvin was predeceased by his parents Maria and Nicholi, brothers Lawrence and Valentin, as well as his sister Zina (John), sisters-in-law Elsi (Wolgang), Helvi (Einar) and brother-in-law John Burdz.

Born in Soliesie, Belarus in 1937 Melvin immigrated to Winnipeg with his family as a young boy. In 1960, Melvin married his love Kaisu and started his family in the west end. Melvin worked hard to support his family as a conductor with CN where he worked until he retired in 1989.

Retirement was the start of a new chapter for Mel as it allowed him time for his many passions. Melvin found much fulfillment in his charitable works with Holy Trinity Church, Holy Family Home, helping newcomers and anyone in need. His greatest joys were his family and grandchildren. Melvin was a devout person who loved to sing in the choir and work in his garden. He found great peace in nature. Melvin remained active with the union after he retired and could be found working out in the CN gym or having coffee with his friends at St. Vital Mall. Mel was always there to lend a hand to those in need and has touched many lives with his kindness and caring.

In the last few years, Melvin experienced a variety of health challenges but always the fighter he seemed to embrace these difficulties and come out stronger; until the end he demonstrated his strength and strong faith. We know that he is at peace now and can rest in God’s embrace.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the doctors and nursing staff at the Grace Hospital for their care and compassion.

Melvin’s Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 23 at 9:30 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Interment to follow in Brookside Cemetery, 3001 Notre Dame Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, which are respectfully declined, donations can be made to Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral, 643 Manitoba Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2W 2H1.

Visit of His Beautitude Irenee, Bishop of Ottawa and Canada

On Sunday July 1, 2018 His Beautitude Irenee, Bishop of Ottawa and Canada visited our cathedral. He served a liturgy where both Russian and English speaking parishes prayed together. Also, His Beautitude Irenee blessed our new icon "Sobor Kievo-Pecherskih Svyatih" which contains more than 100 faces of the saints of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra (the Kiev Monastery of the Caves) and 19 pieces of relics of the saints. The icon was created for our cathedral by famous icon master Alexei Gomartely

New Rector

By the blessing of Vladyko Irinee, the Bishop of Quebec City and Adminstrator of Canadian Archdiocese, Father Roman Pavlov has been appointed into our Cathedral as a new rector starting September 1st, 2011. Before coming to Winnipeg, Fr.Roman has served as an assistant rector in Christ the Saviour Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Toronto. Let us welcome Fr.Roman and wish him all the best in his new place of service!

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