Russell Baranuik

Russell Baranuik was born on July 10, 1940 and passed away after a brief illness on August 29, 2023.

He was born in Wishart, Saskatchewan on the family homestead to George and Nellie Baranuik and spent his first five years there.  During the peak of WW2 his father George made his way to Thunder Bay with his brother John and worked at Can Car as a riveter at the plant.  He brought out the rest of the family once he established a home for them to reside in.

Dad grew up in the East end.  He attended Selkirk High, eventually leaving school in grade 10. He worked on the Great Lakes as a long shore man for a few years till he met Mom at a coffee shop on Red River Road.  He married Josie and started his family on Fort Street in what was Fort William at the time.  He eventually purchased a home on Rosslyn Road and became a part of the community out on Rosslyn.  Summers were spent at Round Lake with the gang from Rosslyn.

Russ spent his entire life on the road driving truck for CP Express, McCloud Cartage, then the remainder of his working career hauling round wood and wood chips for Bowater Mill. He tried to retire at 65 but just couldn’t do it.  The road called to him so he drove till age 77 for Manitoulin Transport then finally retired after that.

Russ leaves to morn Rick and Tracy, grandson Jesse and wife Amy, great grandchild Ali, Grandson Jordan and wife Selina, great grandchildren Bo and Blake. Greg and Terri Granddaughter Angel and her partner Mike, great grandson Kilian, Grandson Nickalas, and Granddaughter Blair.  He is also survived by his sister Florence, and nephews David and Brad.

Russ was predeceased by his loving wife Josie in 2022, his son Dennis in 2021, his parents George and Nellie and recently his brother Pat, plus numerous family members over the years.

Internment of Dads, Moms, and Dennis’s ashes will be held on Sunday, September 1, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Emerson Cemetery.  All are welcome to attend.