Russell Matycio

The family of the late Russell Matycio of Yorkton sadly announce his passing on February 12, 2022 at the Yorkton and District Nursing Home, Yorkton SK.

Russell W. Matycio passed away peacefully on February 12, 2022 at the Yorkton and District Nursing Home at the age of 87. 

Russell was the eldest son of Anthony and Mary (Kitz) Matycio. Russell was born on October 1, 1934 on a farm in the Goodeve District. In 1953 Russell’s family moved to Phone Hill District near Yorkton, SK. Russell farmed with his father, but also Russell worked with CN Rail and carpentry jobs. Russell’s true calling was carpentry. Russell was employed with Bingham Construction, Link Brothers Construction and Geno Construction. Russell utilized his carpentry skills by building houses, garages, finishing basements for friends and family. 

In 1972, Russell’s parents retired and moved to Yorkton, SK. Russell took over farming with the assistance of his brother Elmer. 

In 2003 Russell had heart surgery and he decided to rent his land and move to Yorkton, SK. 

Russell was a soft spoken, kind, genuine person who was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Russell enjoyed socializing, joking and teasing family and friends. Russell’s sister Bernice has been the glue of the family continuing to plan family get togethers. Bernice organized and
 hosted Russell’s 87th birthday party. At the party Russell greeted friends and family by pouring rum shots, as people arrived. Russell stated, it was the best birthday party he ever had. 

Russell always enjoyed the company of all his nephews and nieces. Russell renamed his nephews and nieces by names which he thought suited them.  

Some nicknames given were: George, Gerome, Whitey, Casper, Beaver, Suzie, Rum-dell, Kadilla, LeighetteKa, etc. Nephews and nieces responded by their new given names. 

Russell enjoyed sports like hockey, football, baseball (Blue Jays), curling and even equestrian races. Russell had a love for horses. Russell enjoyed fishing with friends and family. Russell enjoyed listening to country and Ukrainian music, and never missed the “Dance Party on CJGX radio. 

When Russell’s health began to fail, the YDNH became his new home in June 2019. Russell always praised the staff at YDNH for their kindness, care and compassion they provided him. Russell always enjoyed the social interaction and the joking he did with the staff at the Nursing Home. 

Russell was predeceased by his father Anthony (1996), mother Mary (2001), and brother Larry Matisho(2005). Also Russell was predeceased by five brothers-in-law: Frank Kitz, Nick Zenkewich, Eugene Musyj, Willie Pedde and Dale Hnatuk. Russell is also predeceased by his niece Barb (Kitz) Blanchett, nephew Darwin Zenkewich and niece- in-law Bridgette Musyj. 
Russell’s memory will be cherished forever: by his brother Elmer(Margaret); seven sisters, Lynn(Jim) Zakresky; Iris Kitz, Myrtle Zenkewich,  Shirley Musyj, Bernice Pedde, Gayle Hnatuk and Debra (Nestor) Ohryn. Also, sister-in-law Vivian Matisho, wife of Russell’s deceased brother Larry Matisho. 
Russell’s only living uncle and aunt are Ivan and Janet (Kitz) Sookeroff, who cherish many special memories with Russell.
Russell is cherished by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The family has chosen the song "The Dance" , as on February 12, 2022 the music stopped and Russell's life ended peacefully.
The family has requested that donations in memory of Russell be made to the SPCA.

A funeral service was held on Friday February 18, 2022 at 2:00 pm from the chapel at Christie's Funeral Home and Crematorium Yorkton, SK with Fr. Leonid Malkov officiating. Interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery. 

The service is being live streamed http://www.facebook.com/christiesfuneralhome

For more information or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.ChristiesFuneralHome.com

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