Donald Andruschak

Donald Alfred Andruschak

January 20, 1946 - December 14, 2024

 Peacefully, Dad passed away at Gimli Hospital in the early hours of December 14, 2024. The past few years Dad battled medical issues, but always faced life’s challenges with courage and a smile.

 Donald is survived by his wife Karen; daughter Cara (Steve); grandchildren Corinna (Nick), Luzy, and Zackery; great-granddaughter Melody; step-son Mikel; siblings Claire, Robert (Roberta), Barbara (Sonny); first wife Marilyn (Alex), and numerous nieces and nephews, their children and his extended cousins. He was predeceased by his son and daughter in infancy, his parents Peter and Vera Andruschak, and his brother-in-law Jim Speary.

 Dad grew up in the Riverton-Hnausa area. He received his Agricultural Diploma from University of Manitoba in the early 1970’s and taught Agriculture Practices for Assiniboine Community College in Lauder Manitoba. Lifelong friends were made with the family Dad boarded with during this time and many happy road trip out west to visit were made when I was growing up. After Dad was done teaching, he took to tending to the family farm and was a dedicated farmer right up until he couldn’t anymore. But my Dad was as diversified as his crops and was a man of many hats. Dad was an accomplished private pilot who enjoyed taking to the skies in the little Cessna type planes out of Gimli and St. Andrew’s airports. He was ice maker at the Riverton Curling Club for many years and put many miles on cleaning and pebbling the ice. Bonspiel times were always his favourite I think. He could always be found wandering around the kitchen area during the draws testing the French fries. Dad drove school bus for many years. I was very grateful to be able to see him pick up his grandkids at the end of our driveway. They were so proud that their Grandpa was the bus driver. So many people would recognize him from the bus and always say hi and have a happy memory of my Dad driving them. He loved driving for special field trips and sporting events. He always said there are no bad kids. He could always settle things down when needed by telling the rambunctious students he was going to make them wash his dishes if they keep acting badly. It all worked out in the end.

 My Dad was a dedicated community minded member of the Riverton-Hnausa area. He sat on many board of directors such as the Riverton Credit Union, and Hnausa Hall to name a couple. He loved being the parade marshal for the Riverton Reunion Days parades every year and would drive around on his little motor bike and big straw hat. He was always there to lend a hand and pitch in. He always wanted the best for Riverton. My Dad loved to sing. Dad sang in the choir for many years in the Riverton Lutheran Church, was a member of the Gimli Lutheran Church, and was a member of the Westshore singers. Friday nights growing up during the summer was Hnausa bingo night. He followed in his parents footsteps and called bingo there and in Riverton for many years. I am proud of my Dad for many things, but one of the big ones was his dedication to the Riverton and District Ambulance. He was a strong advocate for rural paramedics and rural health care. I would sit on the edge of the field playing with my Barbie’s in the truck while Dad was out on the field and I would be in charge of listening for the pager. And if it went off I would drive out to Dad and he would stop the combine or whatever he was on and put on his ambulance coveralls and race to town to get the ambulance and go on a call. Those were the days. His dedication was unwavering and he was honoured with the exemplary medal of service for emergency services for 43 years of service. He was very proud of this honour. My Dad was a mentor to a lot of wonderful medics and many still reminisce about having breakfasts or ice cream together in their travels at work. All the problems of the world could be solved with a good ice cream and he knew all the best places.

 My Dad always did his best to see the positive in things and keep a positive outlook on life. Even when he had to start dialysis, he looked at it with strength and courage, one foot in front of the other as his Mom would say. Dad and Karen continued to farm until it just got a bit too much then the decision was made to rent out the land and slow down. This was tough on Dad, but he kept on keeping himself busy as best he could.

 We are forever grateful to the angels that run the dialysis unit at Gimli Hospital. Their caring and compassion is immeasurable. You made my Dad’s time there happy and comfortable. Thank you to Doctor Ade for your care and wisdom this past week and for these past years. Thank you to the wonderful nurses and health care staff at Gimli hospital who took such good care of my Dad and us while we were with him this past week also.

 I have been so blessed to have such wonderful parents. My Dad is my hero. He is a shining example of how we need to do unto others, be a helping hand in our communities and be kind to others. Have a hidee ho in our step a smile in our heart, and when possible an ice cream in our hand.

 Rest in peace my dear Dad. I love you always.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in the Gimli Lutheran Church. The service can be viewed by clicking the following link https://youtu.be/S2vUGD58b7g

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