Osadchuks honoured by the community for 35+ years of service

Ken Johnston
Editor

They came here in 1968 and planned to only stay a short while. Last week a come and go tea was held to honour Bob and Iris Osadchuk who moved to Steinbach this week; some 36 years after they arrived.
Bob came to Rainy River to teach. His first job was for the Atwood School Board at the school on the hill next to Miller’s Creek. That was the beginning of his career that would see him move to Riverview Elementary School when it opened. He taught all elementary grades except a half a year of high school. He retired in 1999.
Iris raised their two boys, Peter (who is a school principal in Manitoba now) and Nick. When they were old enough to go to school she started working at the Rainy River Hospital. Iris retired in 1997.
Both were very active in the Kinsmen and Kinette clubs and later the Lions Club. “I held every office in the Kinsmen and was president three times.” Both he and Iris were president of the Lions club as well. And anyone who knows Iris knows she can sell tickets on any kind of draw for charity.
Iris said one of her most memorable experiences here was working Bingo with Bob. “One night Don Helmky was sick and we had a monster bingo to run. Our boys ended up coming over and helping us run it. I really enjoyed that!”
So why didn’t they leave early on like Iris said she had wanted to? “I give all the credit to John Sirman. He talked me into staying and the first year John and Olga took us into their home for Christmas.”
Reflecting on their stay, “I am glad we stayed. I will miss the people here,” said Iris.
“I did not realize we were as big a part of the community as we were until we came here today,” said Bob.
Speeches and presentations were made by Robert Stamler (Kinsmen/Lions), Buddy Hannam (Hospital Aux.), Elsie Ewald (Hospital Staff), Gill Stamler (Kinettes), Lou Ricci (Christian Women), Dorothy Markusson (United Church), Pat Stoyka (Riverview School), Larry Armstrong (Town of Rainy River), and Mary Michniewich (Seniors Card Club).
Bob concluded by saying, “I am sure we will be back, especially if I can’t teach enough people up there to play smear.”