Joseph Bill Ratushniak

Joseph Bill Ratushniak, beloved husband of Nellie Ratushniak of Canora, SK, passed away on June 28, 2014, at the age of 92 years. Joseph was born on November 14, 1921 to Wasyl and Tekla (Gogol) Ratushniak at their homestead in the RM of Buchanan, SK. At the age of two years, Joseph experienced a move to West Virginia with his family. After a year, the family returned to the farm and Joseph received his education, achieving grade eight from Dunay and Mohyla Schools. As a young man, Joseph met Nellie Tytula, and they were married on August 7, 1948. Together they were blessed with two sons: Irvin and Joseph. A true farmer at heart, Joseph continued his passion in agriculture until his health declined, causing him to require triple heart bypass surgery and thus, retirement at 56 years of age. Joseph and Nellie relocated to Canora in 1999. They became involved with Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church. Joseph enjoyed music and he took pride in his opportunity to have played accordion in the band, ?Sylvia and The Boys.? The tune, ?You Are My Sunshine? will always rekindle fond memories for his family as it was Joseph?s favorite song. He adored the mountains and cherished each and every prospect to take in and revel in the breathtaking view and scenery. It was likely his eye for beauty that encouraged him to enhance his gifts and talents in photography and the refinishing of furniture. He will be remembered for his smile and his many creative talents and will be significantly missed by all who knew and loved him. Joseph was predeceased by his parents: Wasyl and Tekla; and his two sisters: Doris Rewakowsky and Anne Rudy. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 66 years, Nellie; sons: Irvin (Liz) and Joseph (Julia); and his three grandchildren: Jessica, Adrienne and Thomas. A Prayer Service was held on Tuesday, July 1, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. and the Funeral Service was celebrated on Wednesday, July 2, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. Both services were held from the Chapel of Leson?s Funeral Home, Canora, with Very Rev. Fr. Joakim Rac, as Celebrant. Rite of Committal followed in the Canora Cemetery. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, in memory of Joseph Ratushniak.