1943
2017
It is with broken hearts we regretfully announce the passing of Wayne Thomas Rusk on August 30, 2017 at the age of 74 after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
Wayne will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 42 years Dianne (Drysdale), daughters Brianne (Jon) Sanders, Raylene (Shane) Harris and their beautiful children Bree and Tanner who have been the greatest joy in Wayne's life.
He is survived by his sister Mary Jane (Ralph) Finch and family; sister in law Lorian (David) Lawes and family; brothers in law Brian (Sharon) Drysdale and family, Roy (Greta) Drysdale and family and John Drysdale as well as many close cousins, aunts and uncles on both sides of the family. He will also be missed and remembered by many close friends who became family.
Wayne was predeceased by his parents Earl and Rosella Rusk, father in law Gordon Drysdale, brother in law Bruce Drysdale and other members of his extended family.
Wayne was raised in Gainsborough Saskatchewan where he spent many years playing hockey, baseball, fishing, hunting and working of farms. Wayne moved to Ottawa to join the RCMP after finishing high school. Upon finishing training he moved to BC and had 21 postings including one man detachments in Anaheim Lake and Barriere before meeting and marrying Dianne in Cranbrook. Wayne and Dianne moved to Barnhartvale in 1978 where they raised their girls and made many close friends. They lived there until moving to Rivershore in 2007 where they added to their large circle of friends. After retiring from the RCMP he worked at BC Lottery Corporation and managed the Kamloops Christian Men's Hostel until he retired for the third time.
Wayne enjoyed curling, golfing, camping, fishing, hunting, gardening, watching his girls play sports and having a beer or rye with friends and neighbors. He loved meeting and talking to new people and did so wherever he went. Over the last few years he enjoyed nothing more than teasing and spoiling his grandchildren.
We will miss his sense of humour, admirable stubbornness and forthright opinions. He was a man of integrity who would and did do anything for family, friends and strangers. We are devastated but so thankful we had the time we did with him. He was an incredible man who lived a life of which he should be proud.
If desired, donations in his memory can be made to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice.
A celebration of Wayne's life will be held at the Kamloops Curling Club on Tuesday September 5th from 3 to 6 pm.
Dianne, Brianne and Raylene would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to their friends, family, Dr. Anders, Dr. Faddegon, Dr. Proctor, Dr. Tevendale, and Dr. Kebarle and the nurses on 7 North for their care and support during this difficult time.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Schoening Funeral Service.
21 Entries
November 16, 2017
Coworker
Ron Thom
Very sad news. I met Wayne while working at BCLC. We were hired at the same time and formed the Security Investigation team of Lottery Security with two other retired members. Wayne was a very pleasant fellow to work with and I enjoyed his dry sence of humor. My condolences to his family.
November 15, 2017
Friend
Bob & Joanne Vanderaegen
Joanne and I are so very sorry to hear of Wayne's recent passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dianne and family, please accept our deepest condolences.
Bob & Joanne Vanderaegen
November 15, 2017
Brian & Norma Bowen
Greetings to the RUSK family. Wayne & I graduate from training having both been members of Troop #5 in Ottawa. At that time "N" Division was an active training location - shortly after leaving it became the home of Air Division, Musical Ride and the Canadian Police College. We ended up taking our grand-daughter to the UK where she will complete her degree, so I was disappointed at having to miss the Re-Union in Kelowna, BC this last fall. Norma & I send our condolences and our thoughts & prayers for the PEACE that passes all understanding. Blessings to you and yours - we will all meet again. Blessings; Brian & Norma Bowen
September 9, 2017
Although never stationed with Wayne our work paths crossed several times over our careers and we spent many nights at arenas playing hockey together with the Kamloops Sub/Division team. He was a friend and a great team mate. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Don Pearson
September 5, 2017
Don Campbell
So very sorry to hear this sad news. Jim Stypula let know. I have many fond and happy memories from when Wayne and I were partners on GIS in Cranbrook. Diane, you and your daughters can be very proud as Wayne was a great guy. Don Campbell
September 5, 2017
Dianne and Family, We share your sorrows and today we learned of Wayne's passing. I often think of the great times we had working with Wayne, curling and playing fastball. He will be missed. Sincere condolences.
Jim and Jan Stypula, Cranbrook, BC
September 4, 2017
Darrell England
It is a shame to loose such a good man and it was too early when he left. There are so many people that did not have the pleasure and honour to have met him.
September 4, 2017
Claude Ouellet
Sincere condolences to Dianne, family and friends for Wayne's passing.
I was in the RCMP for many years and had the privilege to work with Wayne in Kamloops just before he retired (for the first time)
I have nothing but good memories of Wayne and Dianne.
I left Kamloops in 1988, you may remember me as Claude Turner (I was a female member).
Once again my sincere condolences to Dianne and the girls.
September 4, 2017
Dianne & Family, we are so sorry to hear of Wayne's passing and offer our heartfelt condolences. Wayne was a well liked and respected member of Rivershore, and he will be missed.
Joe & Joan Trofananko
September 3, 2017
Diane and family
Wayne's extended family were all the members of Troop 5 that lasted 55yrs. Our 3 reunions re- kindled this friendship. As time retires US ALL we will meet again, in Spirit, to share those mememories
Steve & Margaret Lozinski, Nelson, B.C.
September 2, 2017
Dianne and family,
My memories of Wayne are during our Troop 5 training period in Ottawa from Sept. 1962 to May 1963 plus several troop reunions over the last 50+ years. I will remember him for his sense of humour and early friendship. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Derek & Claire Hudson
September 2, 2017
Michael Holbrook
Our condolences to Diane & all of Wayne's family. From Michael Holbrook @ Kamloops Hyundai.
September 2, 2017
Diane, our sincere condolences go out to you and your family. So sorry to hear about your loss. Wayne was a good friend and we shared many good times together during our curling adventures. He always had a story or two to tell, most were very humorous, but very detailed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult days ahead. I know he will never be forgotten. God Bless!
Myles & Colleen Hanke
September 2, 2017
Dave Somerton
Diane and family,
We add our thoughts and prayers to the many already given. In this difficult time remember the time you had with Wayne. We remember fondly the time in Barnhartvale,standing on the sidelines cheering on our girls in soccer. Wayne always encouraged the girls and always in a positive light.Those days were like having a huge extended family in Barnhartvale.May you find comfort in these times in the knowledge he was a good man. Peace.
Dave.Linda, Shannon & Brianne Somerton
September 1, 2017
Dianne and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Wayne was a loyal and fantastic troopmate.
Frank & Carol Juhasz
September 1, 2017
Nothing but great memories and friendship working with Wayne from 1978 to 1982. Our sincere sympathy to Dianne and family. Brian & Pat Lundgren, Winnipeg, Mb.
September 1, 2017
Dianne,Raylene and Breanne,
I am so sorry to hear of Wayne's passing. I had coffee with him and the men at the Men's Hostel on a daily basis for over ten years. I placed Community Service Workers at the Hostel and Wayne was very accommodating. I so enjoyed his sense of humour and kindness. He spoke often of his daughters and was so proud of you both. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I know he will be missed by many. He was a great man.
Diane Schimanowsky
September 1, 2017
Diane & family
So sorry to hear of Wayne's passing. Our thoughts are with you at such a difficult time. Joe has great memories of Wayne especially during their Ottawa training days.
Margaret & Joe Whitaker
September 1, 2017
To Diane and family our deepest condolences in Wayne's passing. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all through this difficult time. But also know during our frequent golf matches it was, to say the least, hilarious, as our games were equally matched in the terrible category. Fun times.
Rusty/Joyce Gibbins - Kamloops, B.C.
September 1, 2017
My old skip!!! What great times we had travelling and curling around the Province, he was a joy to be around. My sincere condolences, he will be missed.
Cam Camden / Cochrane Alberta
August 31, 2017
susan urquhart
Dear Dianne and family, Our heartfelt condolences to you and yours at this very sad time. Wayne's infectious smile and friendly face will be missed by us and so many others. May he rest in peace and know that we are thinking of you all at this difficult time. Sincerely Jim and Sue Urquhart
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more