Obituary of Matt Kushniruk

The family of "Matt" Metro Kushniruk of Melville, beloved husband of Olga Kushniruk sadly announce his passing on Monday, July 15, 2024. Metro was 89 years of age.

The Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday, July 23, at 2:00p.m. from the Melville Community Works.

Zoom Room is called: Matt Kushniruk's ID: 821 0392 1967 (no password required).

The interment will follow in the Melville Municipal Cemetery.

Memorials in memory of "Matt" Metro Kushniruk may be made to the Kingdom Hall of the Jehovah's Winttnesses (1066 Columbia St, Melville, SK S0A 2P0) as gifts of remembrance.

Matt (Metro) Kushniruk passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 89.

Matt will be greatly missed by all, especially his beloved Olga of 64 years.  His 5 children, Sandra, Allan (Lorrie), Phyllis (Wade), David (Layne), and Naomi (Chad) will miss their cherished father.  He will be fondly remembered by his 8 grandchildren, Riley, Rhea, Joshua, Jesse, Sarah, Tyler, Carter, Travis, and 4 great grandchildren, Hayden, Kasen, Chase, Rhett.

Matt is survived by his brothers, Nick (Irene), Orest (Carolyn), Daniel (Darlene), and sisters, Elsie (Steve), Vicki, Ida (Harold).   Matt had many nieces and nephews who he loved.  Matt is also survived by his brother-in-law, Bill, and sisters-in-law, Sharon and Rita.  He was predeceased by his parents, John and Effie; sister, Eva, brother, John, brothers-in-laws, Nick, Elk, Alex, Nick, Mike, and Bodan; and sisters-in-law, Lena, Jean, Amy, Bernice, and Irene.

Dad was born on his grandfather’s homestead in Buchanan, Saskatchewan, on November 5, 1934, to John and Effie Kushniruk.  The family moved to the Tisdale area, where Matt completed grade 11.  Then, they moved to Hudson Bay in 1959.  On many weekends, Dad went to dances in the neighboring town of Prairie River, and met the love of his life, Olga.  They married a few months later on February 26, 1960.  During the early days of marriage, Dad farmed in Hudson Bay.  Eventually, Dad and Mom moved to Ituna, Saskatchewan, in 1973.

Dad changed careers in 1973 from farming to underground utility installation. It began with water and sewer installation. Then in 1977, he began working with Sasktel removing telephone lines.  In 1980, he started working with Saskenergy installing natural gas lines. Both projects took him from one end to the other in the province of Saskatchewan, meeting many new friends along the way.  His family often joined him along this journey.

In 1991, he decided to go back farming as an alfalfa seed grower. Dad was creative and invented many tools and pieces of equipment that are still used today.  One noted piece is the “Kushniruk bee hut and tarp.”  Dad and Mom always worked together and met the challenges they encountered.  Along this journey, Dad was always willing to teach us and many others the skills he learned throughout his life.  For this, we are forever grateful.

Most importantly, Dad was a spiritual man.  In 1967, he learned about his God and creator, Jehovah.  Worshipping Jehovah as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses contributed to his constant maintenance of a spiritual routine, which he passed on to his children.  Because of his love for Jehovah and people, he was motivated to tell others about his creator and the wonderful hope of a better future.  Dad read his Bible daily and marked many, many scriptures that he cherished.

Dad was a kind, generous, patient, hard-working, family man.  He had a great, hearty laugh and always a big smile.  Dad and Mom were known for their hospitality.  They loved having friends and family over for a good meal and association.  He loved to make French fries for his children and grandchildren and more often, just a good, old-fashioned weiner roast!  Dad had a busy, rewarding life, but always up for some fishing too, ready to go to any lake, taking his yellow, red-diamond hook.

As Dad and Mom got older, they moved to Regina to live with family.  In 2022, they moved to the Ituna Lodge for a few months and then settled in the Melville Home in November 2022.  He continued to be an avid reader and always looked forward to the daily newspaper.  Dad spent most of his time in Mom’s room.  Dad and Mom were always conversing and sharing memories of the past.

Dad will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and a treasured friend.  We will be greatly comforted by the reassurance that his God will remember him, and we will one day welcome him back to life.