Obituary of Ovide "Ollie" Louis Richard Deurbrouck

DEURBROUCK: Sergeant Ovide "Ollie" Louis Richard Deurbrouck passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2015, with his loving wife, children and son-in-law by his side. Ollie died the way he lived, generously sharing his love, kindness and sense of humor with all who helped him and provided him support throughout his long journey. Ollie was born on March 20, 1932, to Ernest and Martha Deurbrouck, on a farm near Naicam, Saskatchewan and was adored by his older sisters Mary, Lea and Denise. He joined the military at the age of 16 and set off to serve his country. He was a radio operator during the Korean War and was stationed in many locations all over the world. Ollie met the love of his life while stationed in Winnipeg and married Bernice Mary Rutkowski on May 16, 1959. Ollie devoted his life to being Bernice's kind and loving husband, and a wonderful father to Catherine (Jack Moes) and Michael (Dorothy Paszkowski). He supported all of their dreams and endeavours and was so proud of their accomplishments. He provided unconditional love and support through disappointments and difficult times. Ollie and Bernice were stationed in Shilo, Manitoba for eight years. Following Ollie's retirement from the military in 1976, the family moved to Brandon and he enthusiastically embarked on other careers as a butcher at Brandon Frozen Foods and as a foreman and salesman for Burns Meats Ltd. During these days he made and nurtured many lifelong friends. Ollie touched the lives of everyone with whom he came in contact. Friends were so happy to see and chat with him because of his positive nature and enthusiasm. He was genuinely interested in everyone he met and gathered friends wherever he went. He had a way of touching peoples' hearts and making them feel special. He was a kind and helpful neighbour, establishing lifelong relationships with friends from 20th Street, Hummingbird Lane and River Heights Terrace. A highlight of his day was spending time with the gang at A&W. Ollie had many interests and dove into them with all of his heart. He was known for his extensive and amusing collections, being lucky at the Legion meat draws, hosting gourmet dinners with Bernice, operating the sewing machine, cheering on the Wheat Kings with his friends in the arena southend, and enjoying country and western music. Our home was always filled with music, fueling the appreciation and vocation of music in his children and grandchildren. Ollie loved working for his community and helping others. He was a member of the Shilo Men's Club and the Knights of Columbus. He led Boy Scouts, organized hockey tournaments, delivered Meals on Wheels, ushered at St. Augustine's Church, organized fund raisers, and sold meat at the Sobeys ice table. Ollie turned his cancer diagnosis into something incredibly positive. He was a founding member of the Westman Prostate Cancer Support Group. Ollie threw himself into the role of President and for many years provided support and information to men and their families, making many more life-long friends along the way. He led Relay for Life Teams and supported the Canadian Cancer Society. Ollie loved being a Grandpa and tirelessly supported and delighted in the activities of his grandchildren: Aaron and Ainsley Check; Bobbie-Jean, Juliane and Brandon Deurbrouck and step-grandsons Noel, Will and Justin Moes. He also loved that Tyler and Danielle Gage called him "Grandpa". We know Ollie appreciated the love and support of his many friends during his final days and we thank Dianne LeClerc, Linda Kennedy and Murray Gilmer, Deacon John and Carol McKenzie, Chaplain Evert Busink, Chaplain Joe Ball, nephew Ted Rusywich, niece Claudette Rusywich, Claudia Nieradka, Father Patrick, and everyone who spent time with Dad during his final days. There are no words to express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Angel Nurses and Aides on A3 Palliative who worked so hard to make Dad's final days comfortable and provided such support and kindness to our family. Prayers and viewing will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church, 327-4th Street, on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Patrick Neufeld as Celebrant. Urn placement will take place at the Brandon Cemetery Columbarium prior to the Mass. The family asks that those who wish to give a gift make a donation to the Westman Prostate Cancer Support Group, of which Ollie was a founding member, c/o Brian Paterson, 12 Spruce Drive, Brandon, MB, R7B 1B2.