CHODAK: The death of Russell Murray Chodak of Brandon occurred in the city on Wednesday, May 13, 2009. A private funeral ceremony will be held. Complete obituary information will follow. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.


CHODAK: (Russell), Murray: With loved ones by his side, Murray passed away May 13, 2009 at the Assiniboine Centre in Brandon. Murray was the youngest in a family of six brothers and six sisters and was born April 15, 1943, on the family farm in Bolton, MB. As each sibling grew up, they left the farm and, in time, his father passed away. Murray and his mother moved to Grandview. From the age of nine years, Murray showed his strong work ethic delivering groceries and doing summer farm jobs. He came to Brandon as a young man and went into the dry walling business with Bill and Stanley Kozak. An unfortunate accident left him a partial quadriplegic but that did not take away his strong spirit and industriousness. With an incredible optimism, he attended ACC, obtained his Bus. Admin. degree, and took further courses at BU. He next worked for a wholesaler and then was part owner of the company, "The Energy Center" as well as their office manager and accountant. After that, he took a job at the Sandy Lake Nursing Home. He bought a home in Erickson, which his sister Sophie and Mike Rogowski renovated for him. About four years later, he returned to Brandon and worked at The Manitoba Farm Credit Corporation from which he retired. His favourite past-times were wood-working, card games, watching sports, hunting, teasing, and joking. He had a keen interest in all histories - world, war, local, and family. Murray will always be remembered with love as well as humour as he was held close to the hearts of everyone in the Chodak family. He is survived by: his daughters Terry (Gord) Yurett and Tanis (Mike) Kent; his brothers Micheal (Yvette) and Peter (Judi) and his sister Sophie Evaskow. There are many nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by: his parents Micheal and Teena (nee Zamonsky), his brothers Wesley, Stanley, Edward, and his sisters Mary Regush, Anne Regush, Mabel Simcoe, Rose Baron, Nell Pulak, and nephews Glen Simcoe, Robert and Randy Chodak and Wally Regush , and grand-nephews Mark and Bruce Regush. A ceremony to celebrate Murray's life was held at Memories Chapel with Joanne Biggs officiating. Reflections by Martin Zuzens. Urn bearer was Gord Yurett. As Murray wished, his eyes were donated to the Lion's Eye Bank. He was buried with his mother. Donations in his memory may be made to: Canadian Paraplegic Association, 230-1101 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2C 3W7. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.
"All who knew him will deeply miss him.
Those who loved him always will."
Vichnaya pamyat.


CARD OF THANKS:
CHODAK
Sincere thanks to his co-workers Leo, Kathy, and Donna for their long-term friendship, the care and compassion of the nurses and doctors, Danny and the wonderful people of Home Care, caretakers Mr. and Mrs. Tweetie for their personal attention and Cathy for being such a good and caring friend. To those who sent food, cards, and flowers, it was greatly appreciated. Sincere thank-you to Vern Schneider for his personable compassion and professional aid.
The Chodak Family
Memorials
Canadian Parapalegic Association