Russel “Russ” Goossen
April 4, 1954 - September 13, 2022
Born 1954 in Morris Manitoba, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 13th with family by his side, after a yearlong battle with cancer. He is lovingly remembered by his children Lil, Rose and Matt and their mother Carol. Predeceased by his parents, Elmer, and Margaret.
Russ loved the simple things in life – a home at the lake, chopping wood, cooking over an open fire, and entertaining friends. He was active all his life. During the summer months, he biked to the lake to go for swims and during the winter he would swim at the indoor pool in the morning before work. He also spent a lot of time on the cross-country ski trails, a trip often capped by a warm fire and homemade chicken soup.
Russ was an accomplished musician, starting at the age of 11 when he chose drum lessons instead of accordion. It was a natural fit for him and by the time he was 16, he was part of several bands that toured the local establishments. Russ also volunteered and was an entertainer at the inaugural Winnipeg Folk Festival in 1974. He looked forward to this annual event and volunteering on the transportation crew. He was also a lifetime Bomber fan.
He worked his way through university with several part time jobs – bartender, waiter, dishwasher, oil rig roughneck, and taxi driver to name a few, as well as his weekend music gigs. He had a long and dedicated career as a teacher and educator and made a lasting impact on his students and co-workers. But it was his last 10 years in Adult Education that brought him the most fulfillment and joy and he often remarked that this was his true calling.
He valued hard work and determination to achieve one’s goals. He was very generous, and he had a unique sense of humour and an infectious laugh! Russ will be missed by his friends, siblings, and his nieces and nephews with whom he left a lasting impression during their formative years.
Many thanks to the doctors, nurses, and emergency personnel who took care of Russ over the last year.
A Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 24th, at the Matlock Community Centre at 7pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local cancer care charity.
Branch & Pyre Cremation Care