Obituary of Richard John Ronald Osiowy

OSIOWY: It is with great sadness we announce that Richard (Rich) John Ronald Osiowy, beloved husband of Debbie, and dear father of Blair (Emilee), passed away peacefully at his cabin in Oak Lake Beach, MB on Thursday, March 6, 2014 at the age of 51 years. Rich was born in Beausejour, MB and grew up on the family farm in Hazelridge. He helped on the farm with everything from looking after animals, working the fields and fixing and repairing anything that needed to be. He would tackle any mechanical job with a vengeance. His passion for sports started at an early age when his dad helped create the first Hazelridge Sharks hockey team and continued to support Rich through baseball as well. Education began at Hazelridge Elementary, Springfield Jr. High and High School (in Oakbank, MB) and ended at the University of Manitoba where he graduated as a Mechanical Engineer in 1984. Rich met his sweetheart (Deb), best friend and soul mate in Jr. High school and married in October 1984. Their first home was in Thompson, MB where Rich secured his first engineering job that same year. While there, they enjoyed the outdoors fishing, playing baseball and broomball and made many friends in a short time. In 1988, a new job opportunity with Simplot in Brandon, MB brought them closer to family when Rich accepted an engineering position. While there, he held the position of Process Engineering Superintendent, Engineering Manager and resigned on May 18, 2001 as Ammonia Production Superintendent. His career continued in Brandon when he accepted a Maintenance Superintendent position with Canexus on May 28, 2001 and as his symptoms of ALS continued to progress, he reluctantly retired from his career as Maintenance Manager on January 31, 2012. He enjoyed his career immensely, and treasured all the friendships created through his work. As much as Rich enjoyed his job, he enjoyed family and friends even more and living life to its fullest. Rich and Deb did many things together as a couple from golf to tennis to just watching hockey together and when Blair came along in 1991, they became a trio and rarely were apart. Rich's greatest enjoyment in life was spending time with Blair and watching him grow from a young boy to a young man. Following him in hockey whether it be watching, coaching or managing, Rich rarely missed a game. When he wasn't doing that, he was fixing, building, renovating or inventing anything just to keep busy. He did enjoy camping and relaxing at the lake. His dream came true and eventually found a property at Oak Lake Beach where the cabin "that love built" brought him the most peace and happiness. Many weekends with family and friends were spent around a camp fire, or playing games around the dinner table. It didn't matter to Rich how time was spent with family and friends, as long as it was. His time at the lake was special for many reasons. Rich's ALS symptoms began in November 2010 and he was diagnosed in February 2011. He fought hard battling the disease that beat him physically, however, Rich won the battle emotionally as he never complained and continued to live, love and laugh. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Rich is predeceased by his father Jack, brother Ronald and mother-in-law Mary Malko and long-time pet, Sheba. He is survived by his mother Minnie, brothers Bob (Veronica) and Terry (Barb). He is also survived by father-in-law Mike Malko, sisters-in-law Barb Bresson, Jo-Anne (Murray) Spark, Chris (Johnny) Galbichka and brother-in-law Richard Malko. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who were all very special to him and loved their visits. Shadow, his loyal companion, also had a special place in his heart. Funeral service was held Friday, March 14, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church in Brandon with Father Kevin Smith officiating. A private interment is planned at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, MB. Donations may be made in memory of Rich to the ALS Society of Manitoba, 493 Madison Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3J 1J2.