Melvin and Kaisu Rusiecki

Melvin (Amelian) Rusiecki (1937-2019)

and

Kaisu M Rusiecki (1939-____)

Melvin is an anglicised version of the Orthodox Christian name Emelian.

Kathy or Cathy is an anglicised version of the Finnish name Kaisu.

Emelian may be spelt Emelianos, Aimelianos, Æmelian, Omelian, Emil.

Rusiecki may be spelt Rusietski, Rusiechi.

Early life of Amelian Rusiecki

In 1937, Amelian Rusiecki was born to his Orthodox Christian parents Nicholas (born 9 March, 1900) and Maria Rusiecki (born 10 October, 1905) in Soliesie (Zalesye), [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belarus Byelorusia (Belarus) (at that time, the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic).

Amelian had 2 brothers, Valentin, and Lawrence, and 2 sisters, Zinaida (Zina), and Sophia (Alexandra). They all were raised as Orthodox Christians, and formed within the bosom of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Throughout their lives, the siblings remained active and practicing Christians.

World War II

World War II began in the region in 1939. Belarus was invaded in 1941 by the Nazi German Army, as it fought with the Soviet Union Army.

In this context, the family fled. It seems that some time was spent in Finland (perhaps Oulu) during the war, before emigrating to Canada soon after its end (1945).

At some time, his sister was married to a Finnish citizen, Esko Johannes Suorsa.

Emigration to Canada, 1940s

Upon arrival in Canada, Amelian’s name was anglicised to Melvin. In Winnipeg, Manitoba, Melvin completed his primary and secondary education.

Furthermore, he and his family became part of the Holy Trinity Sobor parish in Winnipeg, at the corner of Manitoba Avenue and McKenzie Street.

In time, Melvin became employed with the Canadian National Railway (CNR).

It may be helpful to understand that the Rusiecki family were not at all alone as a Byelorussian (Belarusian) family in the parish of Holy Trinity Sobor. There were, indeed, other families who had emigrated from their homeland in Belarus to Canada, either at about the same time as the Rusiecki family, or at some time afterwards.

Marriage

In 1960, Melvin was married to Kaisu (Kathy), a person who had been born in Finland.

From the Lord, Melvin and Kaisu received from the Lord a son, Peter, and a daughter, Maria.

Throughout his life, Melvin worked hard as a railway conductor with the CNR in order to support his family.

He remained an active Orthodox Christian, although the duties of a railway conductor limited the frequency of his ability to attend services (because of constant travel). Throughout his life, however, he was known for his kindness, helpfulness, and care for others. These are characteristics of an Orthodox Christian who lives one’s faith.

Bereavement

On 15 February, 1988, Melvin’s father, Nikolai Rusiecki fell asleep in the Lord in Winnipeg. The Funeral Service for the Burial of a Lay-person was offered at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Winnipeg by Hieromonk Daniel (Baeyens), at that time the pastor.

Following the funeral obsequies, the body of Nikolai Rusiecki was interred at the Brookside Cemetery in Winnipeg.

On 27 June, 2000, Melvin’s mother, Maria Rusiecki fell asleep in the Lord in Winnipeg, at the Seven Oaks Hospital. Her repose was sudden, although she had been living in the Saint Joseph section of the Holy Family Nursing Home.

On Thursday, 29 June, 2000, in the evening, the Funeral Service for the Burial of a Lay-person was offered at the Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, at Luxton Avenue. On Friday, 30 June, 2000, at 10:00 a.m., the Memorial Divine liturgy was served at the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Sobor, 643 Manitoba Avenue, with Archpriest Anatoliy Melnyk officiating.

Following the funeral obsequies, the interment of Maria’s body took place at the Brookside Cemetery.

Maria was predeceased by her husband Nikolai, and her daughter Zinaida. She was survived by her daughter Sonya (Sanya) and husband John Burdz, and by her sons Melvin, and Lawrence, and by many other family members and friends. It was said about her, “She was always there to lend a hand, to give advice, to smile, to comfort or encourage, or just to be with you a while. She was a special woman whose love and caring seemed to have no end. She was a Mother, a Mom, a Grandmother, and a lifelong Friend”.

On Sunday, 15 July, 2001, Melvin’s brother Lawrence Rusiecki fell asleep in the Lord in Winnipeg. On Thursday, 19 July, 2001, the Funeral Service for the Burial of a Lay-person was offered at Holy Trinity Orthodox Sobor, 643 Manitoba Avenue, by Archpriest Anatoliy Melnyk and Igumen Raphael (Vereshack).

Following the completion of the funeral obsequies, the body of Lawrence Rusiecki was interred at the Brookside Cemetery.

Lawrence was survived by his brother Melvine, his sister Alexandra (Burdz), and by nephews and nieces.

Retirement, 1989

In 1989, Melvin was able to retire from his employment, after which he was able to use more time and energy in expressing his Orthodox Christian character.

Retirement was the beginning of a new chapter for Mel, since it allowed him time to express his heart for serving in many ways.

For instance, Mel was active at the Holy Family Home as a volunteer. He was also active in the CNR Pensioners’ Association, where he concerned himself with those in particular needs, and especially those who were newcomers.

Melvin was very active in the Holy Trinity Orthodox Sobor parish at Manitoba Avenue and McKenzie Street. A devout Orthodox Christian who overflowed with Christ-like love, he constantly sang in the choir, served in various capacities on the parish council, including as president (starosta), and he paid careful attention to solving misunderstandings and miscommunications, and bringing peace amongst the parishioners. The peace and harmony of the parishioners was his first concern, and by the Grace of God, his words and deeds did much to achieve this purpose.

Melvin’s greatest joys were his family and grandchildren. He also was a diligent gardener, and he found great peace in nature. He remained active with the CNR Railway Union after he retired, and could be found working out in the CNR gym or having coffee with his friends at Saint Vital Mall.

Repose

On Saturday, 16 February, 2019, Melvin N Rusiecki fell asleep in the Lord in Winnipeg.

On Saturday, 23 February, the Funeral Service for the Burial of a Lay-person was served at the Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, by Archpriest Roman Pavlov.

Following the conclusion of the funeral obsequies, the body of Melvin-Amelian Rusiecki was interred at the Brookside Cemetery.

Reflections

In many ways, Melvin-Amelian Rusiecki was an exemplary Orthodox Christian. He loved the Lord, and he loved people, in accordance with the admonition of our Saviour. People responded to his love with love. His care for the Church, and particularly for the parish in which he had spent most of his life, bore fruit. He was active and leading the parish through many difficult moments.

About him, it may well be said that the words of Psalm 25:8/26:8 in a way describe him :

 O LORD : I have loved the splendour of Your house, 
 and the place where is the tent of Your glory.

The following selection of condolences extended from various persons gives an insight to the sort of man he is :

• Our deepest sympathies to the family of “Mel”. Since we met Mel we knew he was going to be a special and unique neighbour. Ever willing to lend a hand and or give advice on how to fix a situation. Mel’s love for others transcended race, color and creed. Mel always “knew a guy” who “knew a guy” who could repair something. We will miss our chats in the back lane and seeing you in your summer garden.

• Condolences to the family on the loss of Mel. He will be missed from the Pensioners Association meetings and events.

• My condolences to the family. So sorry for this tremendous loss my heart and prayers go out to you all.

• Mel saw only the good in people. His concern for friends and co-workers is unrivaled as all who have spent time in hospital will agree.

• Mel was a tremendous human being. Nothing Mel did was for Mel’s gain. Mel did things because it was the right thing to do. Many of us truly benefited from Mel’s wisdom, patience and care, Mel was always there to provide whatever he could to make the things better for people. The last time I saw Mel was a few years ago and he was doing outreach work for the pensioners at CN that needed support. He did that all his working life and continued it on throughout retirement. I’m privileged and honoured to have learned and been taught by Mel. He made me a better person for it. We will miss you Mel but we carry a piece of you with us every time we help someone in need.

• Our condolences to the entire family. Mel was our true friend for many, many years. May he rest in peace.

• Sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. Always brought a smile to my face when I saw Mel was on the crew. Lots of good memories. Rest in peace.

• Kathy, it is with great sadness that I share the sorrow of your loss. To you and your family I extend my warmest and sincere sympathy during this difficult time. I was honoured to know Mel and proud of our friendship. May your memories bring you comfort in knowing that Mel will never be forgotten.

• Mel was a gentleman who never spoke ill of anyone, and was a true mentor to those he trained and worked with. He made the lives of many people more enjoyable. A good human being, and will be missed and remembered.

• Our sympathy goes out to you Kathy & family. Mel was a true and loyal gentleman. We can honestly say we have never come across a man like him. He was one of a kind. We have lost a dear friend. Mel loved coming for coffee with the boys at St. Vital Mall and talking Railroad. We all liked how Mel had time for everyone who came along and joined us and had nothing but good things to say about all of them. He was so very proud of his family. Rest in peace our friend. How we will miss you.

• My sincere condolences to all of you on your loss . Mel was a compassionate, genuine gentleman. I was the recipient of one of Mel’s visits (fruit basket in hand) when I was just out of hospital . It was so great to see him . All of us who worked with him will miss him.

• To me Mel was the most easy going, friendly person you could ever meet. I had some good times & fine memories working with one of best CN conductors of all times. I will really miss Mel at the gym were we talked about old times and had really good laughs. He was one of a kind .

• My deepest condolences to the family and friends and wishing you strength in these difficult times. We met while I trained as a new brakeman. He took time to teach me the job and that I was part of a family of railroaders. I remember him saying that we take care of one another. Over the years I found just how genuine he was in that regard. I never knew Mel to speak of himself very much but he always wanted to know how others were doing. Seeing Mel at union meeting was always a pleasure knowing that he was there for the members in distress. He will always be in the hearts and memories of all that knew him and will be remembered for the comfort and compassion that he had for others. I'm privileged to have known him.

• Like many others I worked with Melvin for several years, both with the Union and at CN. Bill Hoole said it all in his comments (above). Mel was one of the most generous persons I have ever met. He always had time and patience for everyone. Our sincere condolences to Kathy and the rest of Melvin’'s family. He will be missed.

• Condolences to the family, sad news Peter as you know your dad was loved by all the rails. He was an awesome guy always ready to help, going to be greatly missed.

• Mel was loved by all his co-workers : it has been said by all that he never once rose to anger and he exemplified the sentiment “what is most worth doing is what we do for others”. He was a saint.

• With deepest condolences to the family, Mel was always a pleasure to work with, he never complained about any one or any of the work load, which made the job easier. After retirement it was always nice to run into him, he always had time for a friendly chat. He will be missed by his co-workers and his many friends. Our loss, heavens gain.

• Mel and my Dad were great friends and I worked with him for 25 years. He will be missed by all the rails.