Russell Skalesky

Russell Skalesky

March 20, 1932 – June 12, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Russell Skalesky on June 12 at the age of 93.

Russ will be missed by his beloved wife of almost 72 Years, Theda; children Rusty (Michele), Ted (Sandra), Shelley (Bill); grandchildren Nicole (Jeff), Alice (Keaton), Amelia; great-grandchildren Owen and Landon as well as many nieces and nephews; extended family, Kayla (Andrew) Robinson and children Alivia and Jax, Darren McFetridge (Chelsey) and son Declan.

Russ was predeceased by his first born son Baby Skalesky, parents Augustine and Amelia Skalesky; sister Olga Simpson  and husband Jim; mother and father- in-law Ted and Pearle Jorginson; sister-in-law Darleen Rowley, husband Barry and nephew Wayne; brother-in-law Murray Jorginson.

Russ was born and raised in Selkirk and spent his entire life in Selkirk and East Selkirk.

Russ worked hard all of his life. One of his first jobs was working at Oscars Stand serving hotdogs. Eventually he apprenticed to be an electrician. Russ first had his own business Town and Country Electric with Jim Laye before he went to work as an electrician at Manitoba Rolling Mills for over 30 years. For part of his time at the mill, Russ was the Local Union President for the United Steelworkers of America.

Russ joined the Selkirk Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter in 1967 and served for 25 years.

Russ was very involved in the community all of his life starting with T Ball and Football. He was a member of many organizations and boards including Selkirk Parks and Recreation, Selkirk Learning Centre and Selkirk & District Community Foundation. After retiring from the mill, Russ was a member of CSTEC, a company/union group that helped displaced steelworkers across Canada. 

Russ was also a member of the Selkirk Rotary Club for over 30 years, serving one term as President. Russ was very proud of his accomplishments there, including being the Co-Founder of the annual Selkirk Lobster Fest with Mike Davies that the two of them started 32 years ago.  He was also very proud of the fundraising he and other Rotarians did to raise funds for the Dialysis Machine for Selkirk Hospital.

Russ was named Citizen of the year in 1999.

Even though Russ had a very busy life, he was a very devoted husband and father. Family was the most important thing to him and he was always there for us from the kids activities to special moments. We have many fond memories of family time. 

After retirement, Russ enjoyed his “paradise” in East Selkirk, enjoying the outdoors, tending his garden and getting together with friends.

Russ enjoyed sports of almost any kind and was a fan of the Bombers and Jets. He also loved to go hunting and fishing with his sons and his friends.

Russ and Theda travelled the world, going on many memorable vacations including Hawaii, Columbia, Portugal, Barbados, South Padre Island, Alaska, England, Africa and a River Cruise down the Rhine.

Russ was very much a people person and had more friends than anyone else we know and was always making new ones.

Russ/Dad you are loved by so many.  We will miss you forever.

A Service will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel in Selkirk. The service will be livestreamed via the following link https://youtube.com/live/SvCoI1el8qg

In Lieu of flowers, a donation in Russ’s memory could be made to the Selkirk Rotary Club, Marine Museum of Selkirk, Selkirk & District Community Foundation or Plant a Tree in his memory.

Tributes: www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Russell Skalesky, please visit our floral store.