Michael Rusak

Michael Martin Marian Vincent Rusak, beloved husband/dad/dziadzi, died peacefully on Sunday morning, 07 March 2021, in Nanaimo BC. He was in his 87th year, and had been suffering from Lewy Body dementia for several years.

Michael was born in Toronto to Polish immigrant parents, who predeceased him, Wincenty "Vincent" (d. 1980) and Honorata "Helen" neé Waz (d.2004). He had 2 older brothers, Stanley and Stephen, and was predeceased by his younger brother Henry in 1968.

After graduating high school, Michael attended Ryerson Polytechnical Institute to study Furniture and Interior Design, graduating in 1955. He started work with Grand & Toy, then successively for the Government of Ontario, and a brief stint with a partner as a self-employed consultant, before beginning his longest career with Steelcase Canada in 1966. During his 24 years with Steelcase, Michael worked as an office planner/interior designer, then in sales, but found his true calling when he became involved in sales training. Though an introvert in many ways, Michael loved time in the spotlight, and was a consummate performer who gave animated and compelling presentations. He travelled often for his job, and was proud of being called "Mr. Steelcase".

Michael married Stella (neé Czaja) in 1959, and in the next 8 years they had 2 daughters, Anysia (Mark) and Monica (Clay), and a son, Gregory (Brenda). He was an involved and vibrant father. The family lived in suburban Toronto until the children were grown, then the family drifted west. Michael and Stella moved to Victoria BC in 2001. He had loved Ontario autumns, but equally loved the proximity to mountains and sea on the west coast. Their new home was surrounded by arbutus trees, which Michael came to love. He was a dedicated president, then vice-president, of his strata council for a number of years.

Michael always credited Stella with introducing him to his enduring love of classical music, especially the works of Chopin, and till his last days a good performance would leave him sitting in rapture, eyes closed, conducting along to the music. He was a voracious reader on diverse topics, authors ranging from James Michener to Erich Von Däniken to Charlie Farquharson. This material thence informed the wide-ranging discussions and debates in which he loved to engage. He revelled in mental challenges, and was an ardent fan of crossword puzzles. He also loved to walk, and credited his evening "constitutionals" with keeping his long-standing back pain at bay. When he could no longer walk easily, his "scooter" was a vintage 1969 yellow VW bug, the sound of which was immediately identifiable to everyone in the neighbourhood. The loss of his abilities to read, walk, and drive in recent years was a significant hardship for him.

Michael's Roman Catholic faith was always the bedrock of his life. He was an altar boy at St. Mary's Polish Church in Toronto for over 15 years, then lector and extraordinary minister at All Saints Church in Etobicoke. A proud achievement of his was the building, along with a few close friends, of the Marian Grotto at the Felician Sisters' convent in Mississauga. In Victoria he was a faithful parishioner at St. Joseph the Worker, and an usher as long as he was able.

As Michael became increasingly disabled by arthritis, Parkinson's, and cognitive challenges, he was lovingly cared for at home until this was no longer possible. He spent the last 20 months at Avenir Memory and Complex Care in Nanaimo, where he was looked after like family. Staff there loved his charm and teasing humour. Michael was always larger than life, and to the end retained those small appealing quirks that so characterized him. His loving jocularity will be remembered and missed by his grandchildren, Adam, Hannah, Isaiah, Melissa and Nathaniel.

Michael's family gives deepest thanks to the staff of Avenir Memory and Complex Care, and to Dr. John Trepass.

Michael’s body was cremated as per his wishes. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph the Worker in Victoria BC, on Friday 19 March 2021. (Immediate family only due to Covid restrictions.) Final resting place to be determined. Michael requested no flowers. If desired, donations may be made in Michael's name to the Alzheimer Society.