WALTER ANDRUSCO

We announce with profound sorrow that on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, Walter Andrusco passed away peacefully at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Mourning his passing are his three children, Leda (Freddie) Beck, Billy (Karen) Andrusco, and Julie Andrusco; grandchildren, Mary Ann (Joe) King, Sarah Andrusco, Jennefer (Udi) Andrusco-Daon, Billy Joe Andrusco, and JoAnna Keller; three great-grandchildren, Olivia, Ben, and Ariel; and several nieces and nephews.
Walter was predeceased by his wife, Mary; parents, Mary and Theodore; and brothers, Emil and Nick.
Walter was born Wednesday, April 10, 1907 in Lwow, Western Ukraine and immigrated to Canada with his father in 1923, settling in Dauphin, Man. Walter relocated to Fort Frances in 1932.
He was an original founding member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and held various positions on the church executive. In 1946, he organized the church choir and this dedicated career lasted 72 years.
This great love of music and contribution to the community began in 1933 as a member of the Fort Frances Civic Band, and in 1979 he retired as conductor/bandmaster.
In 1972, Walter retired from the local paper mill after 35 years of employment.
We are proud of all Dad’s accomplishments, but his greatest of all was simply being the man that he was every single day of his life. He leaves a legacy as teacher of music and dance, director of choirs and bands, and a thinker, innovator, and pathfinder who totally embraced his community, always leading by example, all the while displaying a wonderful and, at times, roguish sense of humour.
At one time or another, he was a teacher and Father to all of us.
Visitation will be held Friday, Nov. 9, 2012 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, with parish prayers being offered at 7 p.m.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances. Fr. Henry Lakusta will officiate, followed by interment in Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances.
The pallbearers will be Joe King, Michael Andrusco, Allan Andrusco, Peter Andrusco, Paul Wepruk, and Bill Wepruk.
The honourary pallbearers will be the remaining church and choir members.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to St. George’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church or the charity of your choice c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com