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.

Family graveside service will be held in the near future where he will be laid to rest with wife Josie and son Dennis.

Turn out the Lights

Never thought I’d be

The last one standing 

For you it seemed 

Life’s so demanding

You taught us well 

The value of work

Just get it done 

Then enjoy the perk 

When it came to that

You were the best

Nows your time

You’ve earned your rest

Strong and fearless 

I remember it well 

As I also

Fell under that spell 

The world it gives the world it takes

Just wanna slow it down and hit the brakes

I know the end I see it there

Coming after me should I care

So rest dad you’ve earned it’s your time

Paid your dues and made that dime

Look back and see we’re all on our way

This family you started we’re here to stay

I’ll make sure we carry on

A solid promise from a solid son

We’ve had our good times and we’ve had our fights

And I promise to you Dad I’ll turn out the lights