RUSSELL LUCH

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RUSSELL LUCH It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of our Husband/Dad/Gigi, Russell Luch. On November 30, 2017 our dad found peace after suffering from a devastating stroke in July 2014. Russell was born on May 9, 1934 to his parents Katherine and Andrew Luch. He received his education at King Edward School, Isaac Newton School, United College and Manitoba Teachers College in 1955. In 1939 he won an award for excellence in Ukrainian dancing from Professor Avramenko. From 1950 to 1962 Russell worked for the City of Winnipeg during July and August building streets and back lanes. During his 12 years working in construction with the City of Winnipeg, Russ made many friends with the men he worked with. He would speak up for them on their behalf and would write letters in support of them. Because Russ couldn't make the Winnipeg Police Force due to his height, he turned to teaching for 36 years. In 1956 he began his teaching career in West Kildonan and then taught in Winnipeg until his retirement in 1992. He taught classes that other teachers couldn't handle because of discipline problems. His former students whenever they met up with him would thank him for setting them straight in life and keeping them on a good path. They all said that he was tough on them, but always fair claiming that he was their favourite teacher. On weekends and weeknights he pursued security work for major stores in Winnipeg for several years. When Russ gave up Ukrainian dancing he immediately turned to Ukrainian singing and by age 12 he was told that he belonged in the Bass section. He sang in every Ukrainian choir in Winnipeg but he was most proud when he sang for the Bohonos Male Chorus and then for the Hoosli. Russ was always interested in weightlifting and wrestling. His boyhood hero was the Little Giant - Steve Kozak from Winnipeg. In 1947 Steve Kozak won the World's Junior Heavyweight Wrestling Championship and Russ had the honour of carrying Steve Kozak's suitcase to his dressing room that evening - which was a highlight in his life. Russ was a very strong believer in the Ukrainian Kozak Brotherhood and his love and respect for these warriors was very evident in his house and in his presence. Whenever a conversation involved the Kozaks, it never mattered whether he was speaking to a layman or a professional man or even a man of the cloth, you never won an argument about the Kozaks with Russ! To Russ the Kozaks were the Knights of Ukraine, Ukraine's Freedom Fighters! Russ was called the "King of Tridents". His peers referred to him as the "Hetman" leader of the Kozaks! Up until the late 1990s Russ was considered one of the finest and strongest Contra Bass singers in Winnipeg. Interestingly, Russ was not able to read music and never had any voice training, but no one could hold a candle to his powerful voice! Later he claimed that he developed his quality Basso voice by singing with the Ukrainian choirs and Ukrainian Bassos from records themselves. Russ loved animals and didn't believe in fur clothing. His favourite expression was "only beautiful animals and ugly people wear furs". Russell leaves to mourn his wife Stephie, of 60 years, his son Leo and daughter-in-law Tammy, his daughter Natalie and son-in-law Dennis, and his pride and joy grandsons Roman (Chandal) and Matthew (Kayla). He will be missed by his fur granddoggies - Titan, Tucker, Jax and Harvey, and his fur grandkittys - Sheena and Russty! Dad leaves behind many relatives in Ukraine, Canada and United States. We know the first greeters to our dad will be his walking and wrestling companion Shadow and Roscoe, along with Miss Molly and Buddy! Through the extremely difficult past three and a half years of Dad's life he never complained or questioned why this happened to him and made the best of the situation at hand, with the support of his family by his side. The family wishes to thank Dr. Andrea Babick for her unprecedented compassion for our dad and us as a family unit. Words cannot express our gratitude to Dr. Babick and the staff of 5A at Holy Family where Dad resided for the past six months. Prior to that Dad was able to stay in the comfort of his own home with the undivided support of his son-in-law Dennis and his daughter Natalie. Special thanks to Dr. John Kreml and the W.R.H.A. Home Care Team, especially the health care aides for their excellent care for our dad while he remained in his home, in the community for three years post-stroke. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by Fr. Frank Szadiak at St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 250 Jefferson Avenue on Monday, December 4, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. A private interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Russell's memory can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society or Heart and Stroke Foundation. Dad/Gigi, you are the pillar of strength that formed and continues to hold your family together forever!! We promise to live to the fullest as you have taught us and to always "STAY STRONG"!! As you have always believed, Good Health, Family, God and the Blessed Virgin Mary are the greatest gifts in life. Now we have you, our Guardian Angel looking over us from above to continue to keep us safe! We miss you so very much, until we are together again, you are forever in our hearts and memories! Ukraine has lost an ICON!!! We love you, Vichnaya Pamyat!! Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes! KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL (204) 956-2193 www.korbanchapel.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 02, 2017