Nick Dushenski

DUSHENSKI, Nick William On February 13, 2009 Nick Dushenski of Willingdon, AB, at the age of 88, slipped away to be with the Lord. Nick will be lovingly remembered by his eight children, Iris Armfelt, Bill (Vivian) Dushenski, Darlene (Steve) Gallupe, Bob (Jackie) Dushenski, Delilah (Kirk) Dushenski, Dawn Dushenski, Bert (Leah) Dushenski and Daphne (Darren) Andrychuk, 15 grandchildren, Daniel, Peter, Lawrence, Scott, Katie, Sean, Logan, Kiri, Robin, Michael, Adam, Jenna, Elayna, Dale and Derek, and two great-grandsons, Samuel and Paul. He was predeceased by Mary, his loving wife of 40 years, and by his parents Wasyl and Anastasia, siblings William, Alex, Pearl, Steve, Katie, Mary, Peter and infant brother Nikolai. Dad was born in Whitford, AB on September 4, 1920, the youngest of 9 children. In September 1941 he began teaching, with 54 students in a one-room school house in Beaverdam, AB. He spent the next three years teaching in Northern B.C. and Alberta, and from 1946-1979 he taught at Willingdon School. He received his B.Ed. from the U of A in 1969. He served as an MLA from 1952 to 1958. Nick married Mary Semeniuk (Lichuk) on August 28, 1952. They taught school and farmed together in Willingdon, and raised eight children. Dad was an accomplished public speaker, historian, teacher. He was a voracious reader and thirsted for knowledge. He loved nature and lived a very active life. At age 85, he planted 100 spruce trees on the family farm commemorating Alberta's centennial. Nick loved to be involved in the community and served in many capacities in farm organizations and his church as well as serving as a school councillor and school board trustee.In his own unique way, he stressed the importance of love, unity, education and respect for each other. He was so proud of his family. The family wishes to thank the staff at Willingdon Eagle Hill Lodge and most recently, Dr. Mohammed, Karen Carter and the staff at Lamont Health Care Centre who cared for him in his final months. A Prayer Service will be held on Tuesday, February 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the Willingdon Rec Centre with Pastor Keith Axford of First Baptist Church of Smoky Lake officiating. On Wednesday, February 18 at 10:30 a.m. the Funeral Rite will be celebrated by Father Benny Ambrosie at the St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church at Boriwitzi, Willingdon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church at Boriwitzi. Condolences to the family may be made through www.remembering.ca "O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever" Psalms 118:29. Autumn Rose Funeral Home Ltd., Vegreville, 780-603-5800.