February 10, 1943 – August 30, 2017

It is with broken hearts we regretfully announce the passing of Wayne Thomas Rusk on August 30, 2017 at the age of 74 after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Wayne will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 42 years Dianne (Drysdale), daughters Brianne (Jon) Sanders, Raylene (Shane) Harris and their beautiful children Bree and Tanner who have been the greatest joy in Wayne’s life. 

He is survived by his sister Mary Jane (Ralph) Finch and family; sister in law Lorian (David) Lawes and family; brothers in law Brian (Sharon) Drysdale and family, Roy (Greta) Drysdale and family and John Drysdale as well as many close cousins, aunts and uncles on both sides of the family. He will also be missed and remembered by many close friends who became family.

Wayne was predeceased by his parents Earl and Rosella Rusk, father in law Gordon Drysdale, brother in law Bruce Drysdale and other members of his extended family.

Wayne was raised in Gainsborough Saskatchewan where he spent many years playing hockey, baseball, fishing, hunting and working of farms. Wayne moved to Ottawa to join the RCMP after finishing high school. Upon finishing training he moved to BC and had 21 postings including one man detachments in Anaheim Lake and Barriere before meeting and marrying Dianne in Cranbrook. Wayne and Dianne moved to Barnhartvale in 1978 where they raised their girls and made many close friends. They lived there until moving to Rivershore in 2007 where they added to their large circle of friends. After retiring from the RCMP he worked at BC Lottery Corporation and managed the Kamloops Christian Men’s Hostel until he retired for the third time. 

Wayne enjoyed curling, golfing, camping, fishing, hunting, gardening, watching his girls play sports and having a beer or rye with friends and neighbors. He loved meeting and talking to new people and did so wherever he went. Over the last few years he enjoyed nothing more than teasing and spoiling his grandchildren. 

We will miss his sense of humour, admirable stubbornness and forthright opinions. He was a man of integrity who would and did do anything for family, friends and strangers. We are devastated but so thankful we had the time we did with him. He was an incredible man who lived a life of which he should be proud.

If desired, donations in his memory can be made to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice.

A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at the Kamloops Curling Club on Tuesday September 5th from 3 to 6 pm. 

Dianne, Brianne and Raylene would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to their friends, family, Dr. Anders, Dr. Faddegon, Dr. Proctor, Dr. Tevendale, and Dr. Kebarle and the nurses on 7 North for their care and support during this difficult time.

Condolences may be expressed at www.schoeningfuneralservice.com
 

• Date : 2017-08-30
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.