Obituary of RICHARD DOMINIC ZURAWSKI

On the first day of winter, December 21, 2024, Richard Dominic Zurawski peacefully passed away at the age of 78. Richard will be lovingly remembered by his wife Christine, his daughters Michelle (Jeffrey) Mialkowski, and Kristy-Ann (Joseph) Duncan, his brothers Ed and Marion (Wendy), his sister-in-law Leona (Don), and his grandchildren Alfred, Lucy, Jakob, Nathaniel, and Ava. Richard’s extended family includes: nephews Kyle, Dylan, and Adam, and niece Samantha, plus additional extended family by blood and friendship. Richard was predeceased by his parents, Jan and Marianna, his in-laws, Jozef, and Janina, his brother John, his brother-in-law Ed, his sister-in-law Darlene, his brother-in-law David, his daughter Angela, and his godson Jason. He leaves family to mourn in Canada, England and Poland. 

Richard was born in Poland, April 4, 1946, and immigrated originally to Canada in 1959 and permanently to Canada with his family in 1964. He attended Red River College to complete their electrical program. Richard became an electrician in the 1970s, and worked his career as proud journeyman electrician. Richard excelled in his trade working many jobs in Manitoba. He passed away with the pride of wearing a 50-year IBEW member pin. Richard will be remembered for his commitment to health and safety, quality workmanship, and integrity.

Richard and Christine were married for 52 years. They met at the legion in 1970. They fell in love and were married on September 2, 1972. They first lived in the Maples in Winnipeg. They spent the early part of their marriage regularly going out for dinner and dancing especially the Stage Door at the Winnipeg Inn and Koko’s Restaurant. In 1980, Richard and Christine welcomed their first daughter, Michelle. Overcoming heartbreak, they said goodbye too soon to their second baby, Angela in 1982, and in 1983, their family was complete with the birth of their daughter, Kristy-Ann. In 1984, the family moved to St. Andrews, Manitoba into their dream home that Richard built alongside friends and family. They lived in their family home until 2023. While not at their home and property, Richard and his family spent countless summers at the family cottage at Hillside Beach. Richard enjoyed regularly hunting, fishing and ice fishing with his in-laws, and friends throughout the years. He had favourite fishing spots around the south basin of Lake Winnipeg, including at Hillside Beach and Pine Falls. He had a true passion for foraging mushrooms in the Manitoba woods. He would walk through the forest at a lightening pace, but would never miss a mushroom. Even in summer 2024, Richard with his limited mobility was asking to go mushroom picking one more time. 

Richard’s family would like to thank the staff, and community at Amber Meadow for the care, and community they gave him and his wife these last few months. Richard and Christine participated in events including weekly live entertainment. On the Thursday before he passed, Richard and Christine were given the opportunity for one more waltz together. Everyone in the community watched the love they had for each other on that day. 

A Funeral and Catholic Mass will be held on Monday, January 6 at 10:00 a.m. with Rosary at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Ghost Church, 341 Selkirk Avenue. Interment to follow in Holy Ghost Cemetery, 4387 Main Street.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Deer Lodge Foundation Movement Disorder Clinic.