Obituary of Russell Yaroslaw Zacharuk

It is with sadness that the family of Russell Zacharuk announces his sudden passing on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at the Regina General Hospital. Russell was born in Yorkton and grew up on a farm near Stornoway, Saskatchewan. He was predeceased by his parents Michael and Catherine; son Russell Jr.; sister-in-law Phyllis Dubb; sister Winnifred Zacharuk; and brothers-in-law, Nicholas Dubb and Peter Derenowski. Left with his memory are his loving daughter, Gaylene MacDonald of Regina and son Glenn Michaels of Calgary; loving grandchildren Alice (Neil) Belanger of Moose Jaw, Melissa McDonald, and Dylan and Melanie MacDonald of Regina; great-grandchildren Bailey and Hannah Belanger; brothers Dr. Steven (Irene), Michael, and Walter (Dorothy); and sister Iris Derenowski as well as numerous nieces and nephews, of whom he was very fond. Russell loved nature and was an avid gardener. He enjoyed time spent in the company of family and friends and had a great love of learning. Russell was very proud of his distinguished career, first with Agriculture Canada from May of 1950 to June of 1963. In 1962 he received his Ph.D from the University of Glasgow, Scotland and began his teaching career with the University of Regina, Biology Department from July of 1963 to June of 1993. His entomology research was published in numerous texts and papers. In 1993, he was granted the honour of Professor Emeritus. Although his research and scientific pursuits took him travelling the world Russell was always a Saskatchewan farm boy at heart. He was a very generous, practical and considerate man; and always considered his impact on the environment in all his endeavors, and on his final wishes. A private family service will take place at a later date. Thank you to Dr. C. Peti and the nurses and social workers of the RGH, Emergency Department for your compassionate care. Those so wishing may make memorial donations to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, 2550 Broad Street, Regina, SK, S4P 3Z4. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com